It's This Week in Bourbon for January 7th 2022. Beverage Dynamics Gives 11 American Whiskey Trends To Watch in 2022. Tennessee ABC arrests someone for trying selling Pappy Van Winkle through a Facebook trade. WhistlePig launches a non-alcoholic whiskey called PiggyBack Devil’s Slide Show Notes: Beverage Dynamics' 11 American Whiskey Trends in 2022 Tennessee ABC arrests someone for trying selling Pappy Van Winkle through a Facebook trade Drizly’s non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ sales soar 290% in 2021 Dry January’ Is Coming, But Are Shoppers Really Shying Away? Bourbon Pursuit Discord members raised $6,200 to help wildfire support to those in Superior, CO Rev. Jim Sichko auctioned off an OFC 1995 and a basketball blessed by Pope Francis WhistlePig Whiskey has launched a limited-edition, non-alcoholic whiskey called PiggyBack Devil’s Slide OH Ingram announced the release of its fourth expression, Ingram River Aged Straight Bourbon Whiskey @tennesseeABC @whistlepigwhiskey @ingramwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

When I got a text message that said "Hey, do you want to have Brad Paisley on your show?" I couldn't resist jumping at the chance. Everyone knows Brad as the country music legend, but we got to sit down and discover bourbon enthusiast Brad. He once was known as a sober star, but bourbon has has permanently cemented a place in his life. We talk about how he first began appreciating bourbon and how that led him to start his own brand called American Highway. We discuss the brand, it's origin, and future, but stick around till the end and you will hear some epic bourbon hunting stories. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the glass shortage. You used to not drink alcohol, is that still true? How did the whiskey brand come about? Was the bourbon at least a year old before it went on the road? Was it tempting to want to test out a barrel on the road? How did you find out about Bardstown Bourbon Company? What were your early challenges with the truck on tour? Did people connect the dots when they saw your rolling rickhouse? What did you learn about blending? What would you say to someone who was hesitant about buying a celebrity brand? Are you going to put tour numbers on the label to differentiate batches? Any good bourbon hunting stories? Is there a charitable aspect to the brand? @bradpaisley @americanhighwayreserve Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Run Spirits Golden Rye. This non-age stated rye is 95 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 31st 2021. Looking back at 2021 Direct To Consumer Shipping Wins and Losses. 7 Drinks Trends to Watch in 2022. Heaven Hill announces changes to their morning bottle releases Show Notes: Looking back at 2021 Direct To Consumer Shipping Wins and Losses Research shows highly fit women and men are more likely to consume alcohol than unfit individuals VinePair releases 7 Drinks Trends to Watch in 2022 White Oak Initiative report shows oak trees aren’t growing at a sustainable rate Journeyman Distillery releases Last Feather Rye Cask Strength Heaven Hill announces changes to their morning bottle releases Ndlovu Gin Original is a gin infused with... elephant dung @sovoscompliance @vinepair @journeymandistillery @heavenhilldistillery Support this podcast on Patreon

It's no secret that we're big fans of Finger Lakes Distilling since it's one of the crucial components in Pursuit United. A few months ago, we booked some flights and took our recording gear to upstate New York. We sat down with their president, owner, and former distiller Brian McKenzie. We talk about his journey into whiskey and some of the challenges he faced as a craft distiller. We cover the unique aspects of being a craft distiller with a column still, their incredibly low barrel entry proof, and their infamous wheated bourbon. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about how much wood we consume from drinking bourbon. What's changed since the last time you were on the show? Tell us about your journey in whiskey. Who were your first phone calls to get started in this industry? Peat or no peat? Tell us about your wheated bourbon. What challenges did you face at the beginning being a craft distiller? Talk about your experimentations. Since the wheat is so popular, why not just focus on that? What's more fun, finishing or experimenting with mashbills. Tell us about your Master Distiller. Did you have any issues when starting the distillery? Why do craft distillers prefer certain stills? What other spirits are you creating? Talk about your seasoning process and why your barrels look so old after only 4 years. What kind of barrels are you using? Do you think the low entry proof contributes to having better tasting whiskey at a younger age? Where does the big bold fruitiness flavor come from in your bourbon? Tell us about your older aged bourbon that's coming out. Does lower entry proof have an impact on taxes? What has your distillery done for the local community? Do you get visitors from all over? What are you forecasting for your distillery? @flxdistilling Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter’s 2021 10 Year Single Barrel Rye. This 10 year old rye is 92.8 proof and $170 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 24th 2021. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit has raised over $3M for Tornado relief. The Heaven Hill vs Log Still court battle for the Dant name has come to an end after 9 months. Let's talk a little more about United Rye since it's now only available on store shelves Show Notes: Bourbon Pursuit fundraiser has raised $20,587 for Team Western KY Tornado Relief, Bellewood & Brooklawn, and Hand-in-Hand Ministries The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit has raised over $3M for Tornado relief Carr’s Steakhouse that once stood in downtown Mayfield have donated 14 bottles to The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit Halls Chophouse Charleston is offering Buffalo Trace 1995 O.F.C. bourbon to benefit tornado relief The Heaven Hill vs Log Still court battle for the Dant name has come to an end after 9 months IWSR expects e-commerce sales are expected to reach more than US $42 billion by 2025 The Top 10 states for American Whiskey Sales Texas State Securities Board has issued an emergency cease and desist order to Whiskey & Wealth Club United Rye is sold out on Seelbachs but is only available on shelves now Doghouse has released a chili bacon flavored vodka @kentuckybourbontrail @carrssteakhouse @hallschophouse @heavenhilldistillery @logstilldistillery @doghousedistillery Support this podcast on Patreon

Every year we try to do something different for Christmas that's not really focused around bourbon. I'm sure you spend a lot of time talking about bourbon with your "bourbon friends", but it is always interesting to learn more about them on a personal level. This year we decided to bring back some fun ice breaker questions so you can get to know a little more about us. We hope you enjoy and from the entire Bourbon Pursuit team, happy holidays! Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: What's the best cheeseburger? What’s the best meal you know how to cook? Candy, chocolate, or popcorn at the movies? What was your first job? What was the most physically exhausting job you ever had? What's your favorite casino game? What’s one part of the world you still really want to see or experience? What's your best bourbon shopping experience of the year? Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Peg Leg Porker Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90 proof and $40 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 17th 2021. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will take place to support Kentucky Tornado relief. Buffalo Trace adds NFC chips to Thomas H. Handy foils. A. Smith Bowman is releasing a 15 year rum finished bourbon. Show Notes: The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature exclusive private barrels, rare bottles, and more to support Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Breckenridge Distillery has been acquired by cannabis company Tilray for $10.92M Brown Forman, Diageo, and Beam Suntory have pledge reach net-zero carbon emission Small Producers Are Slow Proofing Their Whiskey Should you invest is a whiskey funds? Gross annual rate of return of 17% Maker’s Mark “Whisky Flights” will pay for your baggage fees Alabama's Golden Ticket Lottery Buffalo Trace adds NFC chips to THH foils Jim Beam drops a Bourbon Cream plus the brand’s first board game in a new holiday kit Crown Royal is launching an 18 year old release in connection with grillz maker Scotty ATL General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin has unveiled Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces a 15year old rum finished bourbon @kentuckybourbontrail @bourboncrusade @breckdistillery @fredminnick @tilray @brownforman @diageo @nancylfraley @forbes @makersmark @aldotcomnews @jimbeamofficial @crownroyal @cascadehollowdistillingco @a.@smithbowman Support this podcast on Patreon

It's another jam packed Bourbon Community Roundtable as we discuss the latest trending topics of the past few weeks. One of the greatest pieces of whiskey news is that tariffs are being eliminated. This will open up international commerce once again for bourbon and we take a stab at some theories on what moves we expect distilleries to make in 2022. There are always bottle releases that get all the attention, but after a solid year of bourbon releases we give our takes on some bottles that should have gotten more attention. Lastly, the market is the market and we all know that stores are beginning to price their prized bottles close to secondary. If you've been a long-time customer of that retailer, are you going to switch stores or start paying higher prices? Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about MRE bourbon pairings. Now that tariffs have been revoked, what moves do we expect distilleries to make next in 2022? Do you think the EU can make it more appealing to sell American Whiskey there vs. keeping it in the US? Is there a bottle release that happened this year that you feel should get more attention? If your favorite retailer had to start selling their allocations at secondary prices, would you find another store to purchase from? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. @bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Off Hours Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 95 proof and $45 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for Decmber 10 2021. Four Roses opens a new and newly renovated 15,000-square-foot visitor center. According to new research by IWSR, we’re slowly but surely becoming a nation of craft spirits drinkers. Stellum™ Black: a limited-release premium expression is announced Show Notes: Four Roses cuts the ribbon on the new visitor center at the Lawrenceburg facility Rye whiskey isn't an American Creation. From Lew Bryson over at The Daily Beast IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, we’re slowly but surely becoming a nation of craft spirits drinkers Park Street Companies and American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) release the fifth annual Craft Spirits Data Project American Distilling Institute has now opened the call for proposals The DISCUS was granted $1.12M to promote American spirits exports in 2022 Bardstown Bourbon Company's “World’s Top Whiskey Taster” takes place December 11, 2021 Wilderness Trail Distillery plans to increase its production to 80,000 barrels a year Total Wine & More saw its revenue grow to more than $5 billion in 2020 Old Forester Distilling Co holds nationwide lottery for President's Choice Stellum launches Stellum Black Bourbon and Stellum Black Rye Wilderness Trail’s first ever four-grain Bourbon whiskey will have a pink label Chicken Cock Cotton Club 20 year Canadian Rye Whiskey Heaven’s Door Whiskey announced the Bootleg Series Vol III Booker’s Batch 2021-04 Noe Strangers Batch Barefoot Wine and Oreo have come together to create a cookie-flavored red blend @fourrosesbourbon @thedailybeast @theiwsr @parkstreetcompanies @craftspiritsus @americandistilling @distilledspiritscouncil @wildernesstraildistillery @totalwine @oldforester @stellumspirits @chickencockwhiskey @heavensdoorwhiskey @barefootwine @oreo Support this podcast on Patreon

What happens when you bring 5 of the top distilleries together and have them each provide two of their best barrels? You get the Bardstown Collection. Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Log Still, Preservation, and Bardstown Bourbon Company have come together along with the tourism side of Visit Bardstown to release 5 special edition bottles that will benefit the community of Bardstown. All proceeds will go to the Main Street Association, Hospitality, and First Responders. These exclusive expressions have a unified packaging featuring Bardstown imagery and the only difference is a small label with each brand logo at the bottom of the bottle. In this episode, we're joined by Freddie Noe, Conor O'Driscoll, Lynne Dant, and Steve Nally to talk about the process of making this collection. These bottles will be released at each distillery starting on January 13th and the cost will range $159 - $249 per bottle. Get ready to collect the whole set! Visit BardstownCollection.com for more details and specific release times. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about your palate being off. Tell us about your role in this project. What was the process like for choosing the barrels for this project? What does this project mean for Bardstown? Talk about the charity aspect of this project. When are these bottles being released? Why aren't more distilleries getting together to do these kinds of projects? What does this project mean to you? @jimbeamofficial @heavenhilldistillery @bardstownbourbonco @logstilldistillery @preservationdistillery Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Basil Hayden Toast. This non-age stated bourbon is 80 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for Decmber 3rd 2021. Here's the headlines for this week: Over the last 10 years, as it relates to counterfeit alcohol, a WHAS11 story found no arrests have ever been made. Four new distilleries have been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Barrell Craft Spirits is releasing their Gold Label Bourbon Show Notes: The first-ever Craft Whiskey Expo at Sea will take place next spring on Celebrity Cruises Four new distilleries have been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts, KOBBE, announces the 4th annual Bourbon & Benevolence Charity Tasting & Auction Ball Corp is lifting the minimum number of cans certain producers must order and saying it will raise prices UPROXX came out with a new article called The 50 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2021 Buffalo Trace is inviting everyone to come see the Distillery lighted with thousands of holiday lights Wildsam is releasing a new title in its Pursuits series, Kentucky Bourbon Country Widow Jane Distillery announces today the release of The Vaults 2021 High West is releasing High Country Single Malt TX announced the launch of TX Whiskey Canned Cocktails Scottie Pippen is debuting a bourbon barrel-aged tea Woodford Reserve announces Five-Malt Stouted Mash Barrell Craft Spirits announces New Year Bourbon 2022 and Gold Label Bourbon @celebritycruises @kentuckybourbontrail @502kobbe @ballcorporation @uproxxlife @uproxx @bufalotrace @wildsam @widow_jane @drinkhighwest @txwhiskey @scottiepippen @woodfordreserve @barrellbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon

When we typically talk about building a distillery, we usually think of things like stills, mash tanks, and where to store all the grain. But building a distillery is no different than building a house. To make all that stuff work, you need electricity, plumbing, and pumps... lots and lots and lots of pumps. Before you even begin breaking ground or rehabbing an old abandoned distillery, a lot of this needs to be planned out. This is one topic that we've never covered on the podcast and that's how the heck do you actually build a working distillery? We invited Nick Morgan and Ronnie Flerlage to be on the show. They are mechanical engineers from Shrout Tate Wilson Consulting Engineers and have experience on how to design and build a distillery from the ground up. They specialize in being a one stop shop that will guide you through the entire process of making sure you have all the guts needed to turn on the lights, but also specialize in working with companies like Vendome to create the best still and distillation equipment to meet your needs. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about if bourbon goes bad. When did you realize you had an interest for how distilleries work? Tell us about your background. What did you do for Vendome? Tell us about the still designing process. Do you prefer designing column or pot stills? Where do you start when building a distillery? Where do you use water for cooling? How do you know how much power you need? Where do you put stillage? Who do you usually work with at a distillery? What happens after you break ground? What has advanced in distillery design? Talk about fermentation tanks. What's a standard pump? Do you think past sanitation processes had an impact on the flavor of dusty bourbon? How do you know how big a doubler needs to be? What is a tailbox? What do you need for fire safety in a distillery? @stwengineers Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review a Nashville Barrel Company Single Barrel. This 5 year old bourbon is 115.5 proof and $75 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 26th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week: Pursuit United Rye has been bottled and is coming soon. A semi-truck of Jack Daniel's overturned in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Frey Ranch Distillery announces their single grain series. Show Notes: Pursuit United Rye has been bottled! Clay Risen has a new 4 part book Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey Ocado Group adds Yellowstone and Ezra Brooks A semi-truck overturned in Murfreesboro, Tennessee carrying an estimated $400,000 worth of Jack Daniel’s liquidcraft.io launches their first NFT called Dragons & Bourbon Series Fred Minnick is hosting a bourbon tasting in New York City on December 8th in partnership with Michters Brother's Bond Bourbon has donated $50,000 to Kiss The Ground T-Pain has a new cocktail book called Can I Mix You A Drink: 50 Cocktails from My Life & Career Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey celebrated his 87th birthday last weekend Jefferson’s Bourbon has debuted Ocean Voyage 24 called "Ship's Log" Conecuh Brands is introducing four new expressions under its Clyde May’s Whiskey label Frey Ranch Distillery launches their “Single Grain Series” Blue Run Spirits has new releases for the 2021 holiday season Four Gate Whiskey Company announces Rye DownUnder The LEE Initiative and Maker’s Mark launch the second-annual limited-edition “CommUNITY Batch” Lost Lantern is releasing three limited-edition single casks Wolves Whiskey is partnering with Willett Distillery to launch The Rye Project, Volume One, Batch One Field Rye Whiskey, created in collaboration with the Field Museum, will become available for purchase at O’Hare International Airport Peerless is releasing for their second time, rye whiskey aged in absinthe barrels @pursuitspirits @risenc @ocadouk @yelowstonebourbon @ezrabrooksbourbon @jackdaniels_us @craft_liquid @fredminnick @brothersbondbourbon @tpain @wildturkey @jeffersonsbourbon @clydemayswhiskey @freyranchdistillery @fourgatewhiskey @chefedwardlee @leeinitiative @makersmark @lostlanternwhiskey @willettdistillery @kentuckypeerless Support this podcast on Patreon

Now I have to admit, I remember the first time I heard of Blue Run Spirits and I had my reservations. Who were these guys with some 13 year old sourced product, a Nike shoe designer creating the packaging, the likes of Jim Rutledge putting his name to it, and they are charging over $150 a bottle!? A lot of those reservations began to disappear after I tasted their bourbon. It was really good. And then, the awards started piling up. Blue Run Spirits has been on a sprint more-so than run after launching in 2020. I'm joined by Mike Montgomery and Tim Sparapani, both co-founders of Blue Run, to talk about this journey and how they hit a turning point when people couldn't stop talking about their products. We talk about working with Jim Rutledge, moving from high aged to younger whiskeys, and how they are meeting a new demand in the market. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the secondary market. How did your whiskey journey begin? Where did your two worlds collide? Why bourbon? Tell us how you went about sourcing your product. How many barrels were your buying in the beginning? Tell us about your packaging. How did you land on the butterfly? How was it working with Jim Rutledge? What was the turning point? Are you concerned about selling younger aged products? Talk about your pricing strategy. What are you working on at Bardstown Bourbon Company? @bluerunspirits Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Note Crossroads. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and $40 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 19th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week: Buffalo Trace announced that it will be dropping the word “Jr.” from Stagg Jr. Drizly shares the data collected for gift-giving whiskeys. Old Elk Infinity Blend is the best blend created by Master Distiller Greg Metze. Show Notes: Buffalo Trace announced that it will be dropping the word “Jr.” from its highly sought-after Stagg Jr. brand. TTB Approved 179.6K Products in the last 12 months through October 2021. Californian winemakers are venturing into other premium beverages. Jack Daniel Distillery donates $100,000 to Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) for “Operation Ride Home”. Chris Nolan recieved "ESPRIT DE CORPS" award from the KDA Copperworks Distilling Co. is crowdfunding for a new expansion. Drizly shares the data collected for gift-giving whiskeys. Drizly has announced a collaboration with 7-Eleven. Sonoma-Cutrer and Woodford Reserve announce a $50,000 joint donation to No Kid Hungry. A new study comes out that says drinking above the age of 70 is good for heart health. New Holland Spirits of Holland, MI will release Zeppelin Bend 10yr. Castle & Key Distillery is officially launching a series of Restoration Rye Single Barrels. Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon No. 1767 is set to be released. Heaven’s Door has collaborated with MGM Resorts on an exclusive limited-edition bourbon, 777 Blend. Maverick Whiskey is releasing its limited-edition Samuel Maverick Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Old Elk Distillery recently unveiled a new limited edition expression, the Old Elk Infinity Blend. @kentuckybourbontrail @buffalotracedistillery @jackdaniels_us @copperworksdist @drizlyinc @woodfordreserve @sonomacutrer @newhollandspirits @castleandkey @treatyoak @maverickwhiskey @oldelkbourbon @heavensdoorwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

We've taken a bit of a hiatus, but we're back and we've got two topics that are hot. A few months ago, Buffalo Trace announced there would be no George T. Stagg in the 2021 release of the Antique Collection. Many theories arose such as holding it back on purpose to create a media frenzy or potentially having a new brand come from it. However, Buffalo Trace has gone on record saying it didn't reach the standard they come to expect from it. We'll analyze this from both sides. In the second half of the show, we'll look at the sheer volume of brands that are built on MGP and how some have hype and some are still finding their way. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about bourbon advertising. BTAC was missing George T. Stagg this year, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think they are holding the bourbon back for another purpose? Does it feel like a PR stunt? What do you gain by going to the NY Times? Did any of the BTAC bottles not live up to the hype? Why do some MGP brands have more hype than others? How sustainable are the higher priced MGP bourbons? Is it hard to stay excited about MGP based brands? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. @bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Rabbit Hole Raceking Founder’s Collection. This non-age stated bourbon is 109.2 proof and $295 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 12th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. DC Police Officers Ship Jack Daniels and didn't know it was illegal. Sagamore Spirit releases their first 4-Year-Old 100-Proof Bottled in Bond Maryland Distilled Straight Rye Whiskey. Baker's Bourbon introduces Baker's Exclusive Selection. Show Notes: Is the whisky bubble set to burst? A Distillery worker at the Girvan distillery in Ayrshire was fired for urinating next to casks. The DC police ship Jack Daniels and didn't know it was illegal. Kentucky Mountain Moonshine Distillery is the newest KDA member. The Kroger 2021 Ultimate Bourbon Auction to End Hunger will end on 11/21 https://ultimatebourbonauction.com/ Coack K was gifted a bottle of Pappy 23 from the other 3 head coaches of the Champions Classic. ReserveBar has reached an agreement to acquire Minibar Delivery. Filibuster Distillery has agreed to pay a $700,000 penalty. Evan Williams Bourbon announced winners for the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants. Brad Paisley launches “American Highway” Bourbon. Sagamore Spirit releases their 4-Year-Old 100-Proof Bottled in Bond Maryland Distilled Straight Rye Whiskey. Blue Note Bourbon officially launches Blue Note Crossroads. Baker's Bourbon introduces Baker's Exclusive Selection. Grisly’s Cosmic Black is a new RTD that's bourbon and cola. Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey has debuted its first Bourbon. Treaty Oak Distilling announced a partnership with Whisky Meyers to create their first collaboration. Turkey Tom bourbon arrives just in time for the holidays. Why not. Arby's is introducing 2 new french-fry flavored vodkas. @kentuckybourbontrail @heavenhilldistillery @jackdaniels_us @jimbeamofficial @krogerco @krogerchrispicks @reservebarspirits @minibardelivery @dukembb @filibusterdistillery @evanwilliamsbourbon @bradpaisley @sagamorespirit @bluenotebourbon @buzzardsroostwhiskey @treatyoak @whiskeymyers @arbys Support this podcast on Patreon

Smoke Wagon felt as if it came on to the bourbon scene like it was fired out of a cannon. In the past 2 years, they have become one of the most highly sought after brands. However, the story of Smoke Wagon began over a decade ago. Aaron Chepenik started in the bar scene in LA that expanded into Vegas, but he got burnt out with the late nights and partying. That led him and his investor friend to start a vodka business which eventually opened the door to bourbon. Aaron had dreams of distilling his own whiskey, but quickly had to face reality when he realized that the equipment he purchased to distill whiskey couldn't scale after a visit to a little distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. When he was at MGP, he ended up buying as much aged product as he could and had the foresight to begin putting down new fill barrels as well. As fate (or government restrictions) would have it, he couldn't release his first bourbon for almost 4 years after. He's built a cult-like following with his overly transparent personality on Instagram which makes him even more genuine to us bourbon enthusiasts. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about future bourbon history. Where did you first hear about Smoke Wagon? Tell us about your background. When did you get your first taste of whiskey? Why did you start a bar in LA? Tell us about your vodka business. How did you decide to get into the bourbon business? How is Smoke Wagon different than other MGP brands? Take us through the design of the bottle. Tell us about the stolen barrel. Where can someone get one of your hats? @smokewagonbourbon @aaron_from_nvdistilling Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel's 10 Year Old. This 10 year whiskey is 97 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 8th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. After 3 long years, the US and EU have agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on bourbon exports. Kroger's ultimate bourbon auction will begin on 11/10 with some unicorns up for bids. Castle & Key and the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild collaborate on a new extension called The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey. Show Notes: The U.S. and the E.U. have agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on Kentucky Bourbon and American Whiskey. 25% tariffs in place in the UK because of Brexit. Lux Row Distillers will undergo a $4 million expansion beginning in November. The Idaho State Liquor Division has new rules in place for selling rare bourbons. The Kroger 2021 Ultimate Bourbon Auction to End Hunger begin on November 10. Visit https://ultimatebourbonauction.com Castle & Key announced a new line extension called The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey, Chapter 1 in partnership with The Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild (KBBG). Tamworth Distilling has unveiled a roasted turkey-flavored whiskey, Bird Of Courage. Wyoming Whiskey is releasing the fifth expression of its signature Outryder Straight American Whiskey. Old Charter Oak French Oak is the latest release from Buffalo Trace Distillery. All the Cookies Bourbon from Old Dominick is being rereleased. Jack Daniel’s has announced the release of its 2021 Single Barrel Special Release, Coy Hill High Proof. The 1st Straight Rosen Rye Whiskey made in the United States in over 50 years has officially been bottled by Stoll & Wolfe Distillery. Woodford Reserve announces the release of its annual holiday bottle. ZZ Top and Texas-based Balcones Distilling are collaborating on a new whiskey titled Tres Hombres. New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Bourbon announced the 2021 release of Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale. Barrell Craft Spirits is releasing their 'BCS Gray Label' which are finished barrels of 24-year-old Canadian whiskey. @krogerchrispicks @luxrowdistillers @castleandkey @tamworth_distilling @wyomingwhiskey @buffalotrace @olddominick @jackdaniels_us @stollandwolfewhiskey @woodfordreserve @balconesdistilling @zztop @newbelgium @fourrosesbourbon @barrellbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon

I've witnessed first hand the progression of bourbon over the past 6 years since this podcast began. It went from learning about new releases and hunting for them with relative ease to 72 hour campouts for bottles that used to be on the shelves. However, my time in bourbon doesn't match that of our guest's. Steve Ury, better known as Sku, is one of the original bloggers in bourbon before there were YouTubers and podcasters. He has backed off blogging, but still stays up to date with everything happening in bourbon and takes notice of how brands are changing. He's cynical about brands and the changing consumer, but that doesn't stop him from talking about every TTB label approval. Steve has also found a new home in brandy and we discuss how long it will take before Instagramers and podcasters ruin that too. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about distilleries that have made the greatest impact on bourbon. How did you get into bourbon? Tell us about your blog and the time before the bourbon boom. When did you get more cynical about bourbon? When did you see the change where distilleries constantly had special releases? Were dusties big early on? Do you think vintage whiskey is overpriced? Do you blame people or brands more for the bourbon culture today? Do you still look at the TTB daily? Tell us about your journey into brandy. How long before the podcasters and Instagramers ruin brandy?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Little Book Chapter 5 "The Invitation". This 2, 3, 5 and 15 year old blended bourbon is 116.8 proof and $125 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 29th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. Union workers agree to a new Heaven Hill contract. DISCUS files a 66 page report on trade and export disputes. Blue Run Spirits launches their first high rye bourbon.Show Notes: Union workers vote to accept a new contract with Heaven Hill distillery. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association welcomes Three Boys Farm Distillery and Coal Pick Distillery. Interbrand names Jack Daniel's the most valuable spirit brand in the world. What's next for American whiskey? Single-barrel whiskey offerings on Drizly has expanded by 12 percent in 2021. NFT Tied to Rare Whiskey Cask Auctions for $2.3M. Owens Corning introduced \"Bourbon\" as the 2022 Shingle Color of the Year. The Kitchen Table restaurant coming to Jim Beam DISCUS submitted a detailed report (66 pages to be exact) to the United States Trade Representative identifying key foreign trade barriers impeding U.S. distilled spirits exports. 2021 edition of Brooklyn Black Ops, a collaboration from Kentucky-based Four Roses Distillery and New York’s Brooklyn Brewery. Jeptha Creed is releasing their first Bottled-In-Bond Rye Bourbon. Blue Run Kentucky Straight High Rye Bourbon Whiskey is now available. HIRSCH announces the debut of its Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon will mark the first release since 2019. @kentuckybourbontrail @heavenhilldistillery @brownforman @jackdaniels_us @drizly @owenscorningroofing @jimbeamofficial @distilledspiritscouncil @brooklynbrewery @fourrosesbourbon @bluerunspirits @jepthacreed @michterswhiskey @hirschwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

Starting a distillery is no easy task and figuring out how to bank roll it is even harder. Do you tie up all your money into equipment and wait a few years and hope the whiskey is good or is it smarter to supplement that with some sourced product? But beyond that, how do you scale, distribute, and sell? Scott Schiller from Thoroughbred Spirits Group has launched 30 distillers, designed over 50 brands, and facilitated 3 successful exits. He joins the show to talk about everything I just mentioned, but Scott also has a fascinating family history with spirits where he learned how to distill with his grandfather at an iconic Chicago tavern called Bucket O Suds. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about QR codes. How did you get into this industry? What company did your family start in Chicago? What is Bucket O Suds? Tell us about the distillery. Talk about one of your early successes. How do you approach the conversations with clients about scaling? Do you see a lot of NDPs that previously bottled older whiskey and now can't get it? Are a lot of people starting to scramble because there isn't as much access to aged whiskey? How do you advise someone on distribution? Do you ever have to tell clients sourcing might not work for them? How do you start conversations with potential clients ? Talk about bottle pricing.

On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The collection includes: Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, and Sazerac Rye 18 Year. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $99. What's our favorite this year? Watch to find out. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 22nd 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. Heaven Hill will start hiring permanent replacement workers. The Kentucky Distillers Association welcomes two more members. New Riff launches Red Turkey Wheat bourbon Show Notes: Heaven Hill said it will start hiring permanent replacement workers for bottling and warehouse operations. Brown-Forman is committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced that Augusta Distillery and RD1 Spirits are joining. Supreme Court Declines to Review 8th Circuit Ruling for Missouri on Retail Shipping Case TTB put out an article that Federal law strictly prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home. New Hampshire House Bill 416 is about production of liquor for Personal or Family Use. Brother’s Bond has purchased regeneratively farmed grain. Molson Coors Beverage Company has released of its first-ever whiskey, Five Trail Blended American Whiskey. Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 2021 release is returning to U.S. Wyoming Whiskey’s Single Barrel Bourbon is available once again. Bookers \"Bardstown Batch\" is the 3rd release of 2021. WhistlePig has revealed the eighth edition of The Boss Hog: LapuLapu’s Pacific. New Riff announces limited release Red Turkey Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon @kentuckybourbontrail @heavenhilldistillery @brownforman @brothersbondbourbon @molsoncoors @albertadistillers @wyomingwhiskey @jimbeamofficial @whistlepigwhiskey @newriff Support this podcast on Patreon

I read a meme one time that as soon as a man enters his 30s, there are two hobbies he picks up. It's whiskey and smoking meats. Well, I'm guilty for it and I know Ryan and Fred are too. There's nothing better than starting the fire in your grill and preparing for the long night ahead making sure your brisket is done. I know when I started cooking on my grill, I went to the resource where you go to learn everything on internet and that's YouTube. Immediately, I was hooked on the channel called How To BBQ Right. I learned the 10 different ways to cook ribs, game day burgers, and even a delicious pot roast from our guest today, Malcom Reed. Malcom has made a name for himself in the BBQ competition circuit and has turned it into one of the largest BBQ places on the internet. You can find him on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and more talking how to BBQ crazy good meals. Malcom joins us to talk not only about BBQ, Wagyu steaks, dry rub vs sauce, but he's also a big bourbon fan and you can catch him drinking Buffalo Trace or EH Taylor frequently on his channels. Don't forget to to subscribe to his podcast called, you guessed it, How to BBQ Right. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about working for distributors. How did your passion for BBQ grow into a business? How did you get into BBQ competitions? Are there rivalries in the BBQ community? Were you nervous when you first started putting out content? How did you get into bourbon? What bourbon pairs well with specific meats? Do you prefer dry rub or sauce? Do you ever get tired of cooking at home and prefer to go out? Are Costco prime steaks as good as other butcher shops? What do you think about wagyu beef? What is your favorite way to cook tomahawk steaks? What do you think about health organizations encouraging society to eat less meat? You are stranded on an island and can only pick one cooking apparatus, what do you choose? How do you chose what grill to use? What do you think about Blackstone griddles? What BBQ pit is your go to? Do you like to turbo cook or low and slow? Is using a pellet grill cheating? What's your go to bourbon cocktail? @howtobbqright

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blackened x Willett Straight Rye Finished in Madeira Casks. This non-age stated rye is 109.6 proof and $140 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. 

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 15th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. Elijah Craig is having its second annual Old Fashioned Week. Breaking Bourbon takes over the BTAC Release map. Angel's Envy announces their limited edition cask strength release Show Notes: Elijah Craig recently announced its second annual Old Fashioned Week, posts will be automatically entered into the Old Fashioned Week Sweepstakes when tagging @elijahcraig. The TTB approved 180K Products over the last 12 months through September 2021 Woodford Reserve is celebrating 25 years Saddlestone Distillery has joined the KDA Distilled Spirits Council of the United States says luxury market is growing Breaking Bourbon carries the torch of owning the BTAC release map New fakes in the secondary market now targeted towards dusties Widow Jane Distillery announced that Decadence, finished in maple barrels, will return to retail shelves. Restoration Rye 2021 Batch 2 and Batch 3 can be purchased at Castle & Key Distillery Angel’s Envy announces its 2021 limited edition cask strength Jos A Magnus has new 6 new Cigar Blend batches coming out Old Elk Distillery out of Colorado is now going into cask finished variants Lost Lantern has 3 new releases coming up Elijah Craig has unveiled its latest Barrel Proof bourbon, C921 TX Whiskey announces the launch of TX Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks Whisper Creek Spiked Coffee cocktails coming from Pennington Oak & Eden Whiskey has announced a new chapter of its celebrity collaboration product, called the Anthro Series @kentuckybourbontrail @oakandeden @penningtondistillingco @txwhiskey @lostlanternwhiskey @oldelkbourbon @josamagnus @breakingbourbon @woodfordreserve @pennyandsparrow Support this podcast on Patreon

It's the final episode in our 4 part series of "Is Bourbon Broken?" based on the Bourbon and Banter blog series. We've looked at the consumer, secondary market, distribution and retail, but this time we are looking back at the consumer from a different angle by evaluating purchasing trends. The market is changing and now there are craft distillers, younger age statements, and NDPs with price tags 10x the cost of what the original producer charges. So what continues to drive this behavior? Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about pour spouts. Are we seeing an overabundance of options on the market? Why are consumers drawn towards brands that are selling younger MGP? Are consumers being manipulated? As bourbon enthusiasts, why are we compelled to try new products even though they might not actually be new? Why is bourbon so polarizing? Is there a reason that more distilleries or NDPs shouldn't be putting out new products at a higher price point? As the bourbon pie grows larger, will there be more room for super premium bourbons that hit that $300+ price point?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky 2021. This 14 year old bourbon is 130 proof and $250 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 8th 2021. Here's the headlines for this week. MGP gets a somewhat rebrand to Ross & Squibb Distillery, Stoli hires David Mandell to lead KY Owl construction, and Buffalo Trace releases the details for the 2021 Antique Collection, but there's a big hitter missing this year. Show Notes: MGP gets a pseudo-rebrand to Ross & Squibb Distillery Shout out to @barrelproofmarketing for the inight on brand confusion ADI has released two new books targeted for distillers Vinepair gives a history lesson in Blanton’s toppers Kentucky now has over 10,000,000 barrels of bourbon aging Stoli hires David Mandell to lead the KY Owl Distillery and Park contruction JustDrinks.com predicts drink trends to come in the next few months Diego has opened the first carbon neutral facility in Lebanon, KY Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board puts limits of bourbon purchases Good Deeds releases their first malt whiskey Daylight Wine and Spirits releases Ammunition Straight Bourbon whiskey Westward Whiskey introduces their barrel strength expression Redemption rye has a new ex-cognax cask release Peg Leg Porker releases Pitmaster Reserve 15 year Kentucky Peerless releases their double oak Woodford Reserve releases Chocolate Malt Whisper High West unveils Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 Sazerac is releasing is second edition of Mister Sam 2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is missing George T. Stagg @mandelldavid @kentuckyowl @diageo @kentuckybourbontrail @westwardwhiskey @redemptionwhiskey @peglegporker @kentuckypeerless @woodfordreserve @drinkhighwest Support this podcast on Patreon.

Welcome back to Part 3 on our series of "Is Bourbon Broken?" as we analyze the multi-part blog series from Bourbon & Banter. This episode is one that many have been waiting for as we evaluate the variable that is completely out of our control as a consumer and that's distribution and retail. We've challenged this system multiple times and I'm not sure if we'll ever figure out the correct answer, but how do we make sure it's always working in favor of the consumer? How should distributors reward stores differently? What does the future of commerce look like? And should distributors and retailers be wary of the digital age? Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about celebrity whiskey. Each state has its own laws on distribution, is this presenting a lot of challenges for the industry? How do you reward stores without making them take on a bunch of inventory in order to get allocated items? Do you feel that wholesalers and elected representatives are working for the benefit of the consumers? Do you think that it's fair that retailers own the product and can charge whatever they want? At the end of the day, everyone is still making their margin so why do retailers choose to mark it up? Why don't more retailers push back on distributors? Should distributors and retailers be scared about the future? Should we move to a system where highly desirable releases only happen through a distillery website? 

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2021. This 12-16 year old bourbon is 114.2 proof and $150 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. 

Last week, we kicked off the series of analyzing Bourbon & Banter's article on "Is Bourbon Broken?" and this next installment looks at the secondary market. The prices of bourbon have been growing immensely and who knows if the prices will ever drop. Will there ever be an end in sight for consumers buying on the secondary or should companies adjust their prices accordingly? We tackle all this and more. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about mixing bourbon. Are people forced to buy special bottles on the secondary market these days? Is it foolish to buy bottles for so much more than retail? How can you deter bottle flipping? Is there anything distilleries can do to prevent flipping on the secondary market? At what point will we hit the price ceiling? Is it ethical for distillers to look at pricing on the secondary market to make business decisions? Are auctions setting the secondary prices of bottles? How do auctions get a pass unlike the secondary market? Are current pricing strategies fair to the consumer?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review a Stagg Jr. Single Barrel pick from the Dallas Bourbon Club. This non-age stated bourbon is 134.4 proof. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

Welcome to the first part in a series of "Is Bourbon Broken?" where we take an in-depth look at a multi-part blog series from Bourbon and Banter. In these four episodes, we are going to look at the consumer, the secondary market, retailers and distributors, and then wrap it up once again evaluating the consumer. In this first part, we take a long hard look at the consumer. Are every day bourbon drinkers the ones to blame? What compels people to stand in line for Blanton's? But ultimately, what can we all do as bourbon enthusiasts to educate the broader mass market? Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about bourbon containers. What has helped grow bourbon to where it is today? Is Fred Minnick to blame? Why are people still standing in line for Blanton's? Limited releases vs. every day shelf items. How do we educate consumers? What were your thoughts on Facebook groups in the early days? What do you find exciting when doing tastings? Is chasing bottles with specific dates or batches part of the problem? What advice would you give to everyday consumers?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Booker's Tagalong Batch 2021-02. This 6 year 5 month old bourbon is 127.9 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

Last week, White Dog Trading became the newest member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. This is the first time a bourbon broker that helps clients source whiskey has become a member. How does White Dog benefit from joining and vice-versa? Union strikes are not uncommon in bourbon. We've seen them happen plenty of times over the past few decades. We will touch on the latest strike to hit the bourbon market. We wrap up the show by talking about who is doing the best at bourbon marketing. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about forests and barrels. Above the Char Link on White Oak Regeneration: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2020/05/12/white-oak-regeneration-in-canopy-gaps/ White Dog joins the KDA making it the first broker to join. What are your thoughts on brokers joining the KDA? Are there any downsides? Heaven Hill union goes on strike. What impacts do unions have on the bourbon industry? Who's the best at bourbon marketing? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining.

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hunt & Gather 15 Year Canadian Whisky. This 15 year old Canadian whisky is 121 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.