On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel. This non-age stated bourbon is 94 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Clay Risen somehow narrowly escaped being a guest on the podcast, but we got him. We talk about some of his past work and his newest book, The Impossible Collection Of Whiskey: The 100 Most Exceptional And Collectible Bottles, that will be coming out in October 2020. So of course, we talk about chasing unicorns and our early bourbon regrets. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about unity in bourbon. Tell us about your books. If you could be best friends with any celebrity, who would it be? Do you feel like books need to be refreshed constantly? Talk about the different kinds of rye. What are your favorite ryes? How did you become the whiskey guy? What year did you get into whiskey? What is one of your favorite pieces you've wrote? Tell us about your new book. How do you have time to venture out to all different kinds of whiskies? Did you include specific vintages in your new book? What about exports created for the Japanese market? How hard would it be for you to open a rare whiskey? Now that you are covering politics, are you drinking more whiskey? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester 2020 Birthday Bourbon. This 10 year old bourbon is 98 proof and $130 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Old Forester is really starting to win over bourbon lovers. We are joined by our returning guest, Master Taster at Old Forester, Jackie Zykan, to chat about the 2020 Birthday Bourbon, the new barrel proof offering on the single barrel program, the story behind President's Choice, and much more. Have you tried an Old Forester 1915? Well, if you've never heard of it, get ready to start blending. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about labor strikes. If you had a time machine would you go back in time or to the future? Let's talk about 1915. Tell us about working with Chris Morris and Birthday Bourbon. How hard was it to get the single barrel program to be barrel proof? What age barrels are going into the Whiskey Row Series? How do the barrel picks work? Tell us about President's Choice. Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. This non-age stated bourbon is 112.2 proof and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this 48th edition of the bourbon community roundtable, we talk about 80's movies. Yes, it may have gone on a bit longer than anticipated, but it may have been the glory years of iconic movies. Then we dive into Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel and get into release season. Will the shift of having online releases be the new way forward? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon heritage month. 80's movie showdown. Blanton's SFTB now available in the US. $150 is a great price point. However, very limited. So why price this higher than BTAC? Was it Ancient Age that dictated it? The Party Source tried to sell Blanton's Bourbon online, website crashed. Are there any good alternatives in the current climate? Why are distilleries doing special releases on-site/inline only, but not permitting proxies to pick up? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bulleit Blenders Select. This 9 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of a Patreon supporter. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Baker’s is a brand that we’ve discussed previously with Beam’s ambassador Beth Burrows back on episode 95, but this time we go into the whiskey. A Patreon supporter sent 3 blind samples of Baker's: the new single barrel 7 year, the old 7 year small batch with the black wax that is no longer in production, and the most recent limited release of the Baker’s 13 year. Which one will come out on top? Stay tuned to find out. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about distillery firsts. Baker's Tasting: New Baker's 7 Year Single Barrel, Baker's 13 Year, Old Baker's 7 Year Small Batch Do you drink coffee? Why did Baker's move from a small batch to a single barrel? Why don't distilleries want to promote large batches? Let's discuss special releases. Blind Reveal Fred, what did you see on the shelf back in the early 2000's? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Basil Hayden's 10 Year Rye Whiskey. This 10 year old rye is 80 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

What does it take to put all your money on the line, ignore the experts, fight the law, and spend years experimenting with different mash bills and barrels? That’s what Tim Piersant, CEO, and Grant McCracken, Head Distiller, of Chattanooga Whiskey did. Against all odds, they launched a bourbon that features Tennessee High Malt. We talk about the early successes and challenges of the business and get into the whiskey itself. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about SRPs. What kind of music do you like? Tell us about your background. How did you get into whiskey? Do you have a favorite kind of beer? When did it become legal to distill in Chattanooga? Tell us about the early days of the business. How did you fund the business? How did you decide what kind of whiskey you wanted to make? Talk about the experimental distillery. Why did you decide to use malt? How did you know it would have future potential? How did you recreate the process to scale up? How did you know when it was ready to be released? Tell us about your entry and distillation proof. Talk about the high proof version. What can we expect to see in the future? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Filibuster Single Estate. This 2 year 5 month old bourbon is 117.6 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

In this podcast, we look to see if there are any distilleries in New York that can take on good old fashioned Kentucky bourbon. Dan Walkski, Manager of Fine Spirits at Midvalley Wine and Liquor in Newburgh, NY shares some of his favorites from the region and we taste them in a blind battle. There’s a few surprises thrown in that cause some major upsets. Tune in to see what state comes out on top. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about age statements. How did you get into bourbon? What is the bourbon scene like in Newburgh, NY? What is the largest growing spirit in your store? Tasting of New York and Kentucky whiskies. Do you get a lot of allocated bourbon? What do encourage your customers to try since you don't get a lot of allocated items? What is a good gateway bourbon? How to you price bottles in the store? Do you put all your bottles for sale online? Have you visited all these NY distilleries? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Knob Creek 15 Year. This 15 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

We look at the recently released results of the Weller CYPB data and ask ourselves if this data matches up to a normal consumer or a bourbon enthusiast. Make sure you check out yourperfectbourbon.com to see how well the site and survey is done. We then examine Basil Hayden and our thoughts behind the brand’s evolving character of having blends, finishes, and high aged expressions. And what’s up with all the toasted barrels recently? Will there be more to come? Lastly, we wrap it up with our favorite bourbon so far in 2020. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about craft distillers. Weller CYPB and the data. Does it add up? Basil Hayden and it's shifting identity. Are Toasted Barrels all the rage now? Old Forester 1910, Michter's, and now Elijah Craig. What's the best bourbon you've tried so far this year? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B520. This non-age stated bourbon is 122.2 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Nancy Fraley is world-renowned for her expertise on blending… or is it mingling? In this podcast, we talk about the difference between blending and mingling, but also go into barrel sizes, terroir, and the art of barrel finishing. Spoiler alert, here’s another industry veteran who isn’t a fan of small barrels. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about hats. Tell us about your background. How did you get on the blending path? What is a french style? What are other styles of blending? Let's talk blending vs. mingling. Talk about blending trends you are seeing internationally and in the US. What is terroir? What characteristics are you looking for when blending? Tell us about the impact of barrel size and climate on the bourbon. How do you decide what kind of cask you want to finish a bourbon in? How do you test a finish? What type of whiskey works better for finishing? How often do you sample? How do you figure out how long you finish a bourbon in a barrel? Are there any tried and true casks? Should the finishing barrel be empty? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey Master's Keep 5th Edition. This 17 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $175 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Many of us know the basics of distillation, but only a few know the true science. Today, we’re joined by Tripp Stimson of Barrell Bourbon and we ask all the hard questions on distillation that we’ve always wanted to know. This is really for the geeks at heart because it goes into pH levels, yeast strains, malting processes, and so much more. Listen close to the expert because it’s definitely one show where you will learn something new about the distillation process. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon in the movies. What are your goals for the year? Tell us about your background. Let's talk about grains. Does it matter where the grain comes from? What happens after getting the grain? Does the size of the mash tub matter? What is the percentage of mash to water? What's the best way to mix the mash? How long is the process? How do you know the mash is ready? What grain do you add in first? Talk about malted grain. What happens next? What is the consistency of the product when going from the mash tub to the fermentation tank? Let's talk about yeast. What about a mash rest? What is the chemical breakdown during fermentation? Why do some people do closed vs. open fermentation? What determines the number of days for fermentation? Do different grains change the process? What is sour mash? Let's talk about the pH of the water. Is the flavor more consistent in a sour mash process vs. sweet mash? Do you use a bourbon backset in a rye mash? What happens after fermentation? Talk about the shape of stills. After the still where does it go? What happens in the doubler? What are heads, hearts and tails? What are the health risks of the process? What's the difference between the column still and pot still? When do you get the waste out? How do you control the proof coming off the still? What is the argument for a low entry proof? Does it have to be the exact proof listed on the label? How do you get a final proof when using multiple barrels? How do you clean the equipment? Does an older still produce a different flavor? What are you looking for when picking rum? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review an E.H. Taylor Single Barrel selected by the Dallas Bourbon Club. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and around a $65 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

For anyone that doesn’t know Peggy from listening to our past episodes, you will get to hear from the first ever woman Master Taster. She has been a remarkable inspiration for anyone in the bourbon industry and her crowning achievement was being inducted into the 2019 Bourbon Hall of Fame. This podcast was recorded at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Legends Series so make sure you are following their social media handles @derbymuseum to catch the next season. Learn more about Peggy by listening to episodes 204 and 198, which is her session from the 2018 Kentucky Bourbon Affair called “The Stave is the Rave”. Show Notes: DISCUS Petition: https://p2a.co/yrfbbV7 Podcast Awards Voting: https://www.podcastawards.com/ This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Wild Turkey and small barrels. Tell us about being a Noe. What were you like when you were young? What was your dad like? Tell us about your time at the University of Kentucky. What were you drinking back then? Why did you chose these whiskies to taste? What was your first job out of college? How long were you in the hotel business? When did you work at Brown-Forman? What was the coolest event you coordinated? What was the next step? Tell us a good Lincoln story. What challenges have you faced? Do you feel like you always have to prove yourself? Talk about what you've done for women in bourbon. Tell us about Peerless. How many distilleries have you worked on? Tell us about Bakers. Bourbon Women: https://bourbonwomen.org/ Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Tincup Rye Whiskey. This 3 year rye whiskey is 90 proof and $30 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Does the purchase of Early Times by Sazerac signal trouble in the water for Brown-Forman? We look at the motivation behind this and if tariffs could have a future impact as well. If you’re thinking about visiting distilleries and experiencing Kentucky, is now the time to do it or wait until things settle down? And lastly, we ask ourselves what do we do with a bottle that only has 2 or 3 pours left? Finish it or save it? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about People Magazine. Sazerac purchased Early Times. What will happen to a recent bourbon entrant that has become a beloved bottom shelfer? Distilleries are slowly starting to open back up. Would you go ahead and take your KY vacation now or wait? Do you look at bottle fill levels and feel the need to finish them off or keep them? Thanks to Blake from bourbonr.com, Jordan from BreakingBourbon.com, and Brian from sippncorn.com for joining. Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Chicken Cock Rye Whiskey. This rye is aged at least 2 years, is 90 proof, and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Do you have a really old bottle of whiskey? What about a unicorn that’s coveted by every bourbon enthusiast out there? We’re joined by Joe Hyman of Skinner Auctioneers to talk about what it’s like to buy and sell high-end bottles at a legit auction. We talk about everything from the bottles they accept, how they process auctions, and how they spot fakes. Every year a whiskey breaks the ceiling for sales, who knows what it will be this year. Show Notes: BevAlc Insights: https://bevalcinsights.com/ Dating Old American Whiskey Bottles: https://bourbonveach.com/2020/06/29/dating-old-american-whiskey-bottles/ Whiskey Advocate Article: https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/black-market-bourbon-feature/ This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Bottled-In-Bond. How did you get into spirits and auctions? Did 50 year old scotch ruin you? How do you get these rare bottles? Talk about the legalities of selling and shipping alcohol for an auction house. How do you transport or ship the bottles? What do you define as a rare bottle? How often do you get something in and it's ruined somehow? How do people react when they bring you a bottle that they think is amazing, but you can't sell it? How do you spot fakes? What would happen if you auctioned a counterfeit bottle? Do you research on the secondary market for pricing? How do you gauge value? What do you attribute fluctuations in the market to? Any advice for people wanting to participate in an auction? Do you still get a thrill when finding rare bottles? Are there things you won't sell? What's the record sale? What's your commission rate?  Who is cooler, Scotch or American whiskey buyers? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Corsair Triple Smoke Whiskey. This single malt whiskey is aged for 7 months, 80 proof, and $45 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Wouldn’t it be nice if someone was able to give you the best tips for planning out your bourbon trail experience? Look no further. In this podcast we cover the distilleries, experiences, and some restaurants you can’t miss. It’s impossible to get to every distillery in a short amount of time, but this episode will give you the scoop on how to navigate the areas of Kentucky to make the most of it. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about a bourbon that is $22.99. How did you get involved with AirBNBs? What is the difference between AirBNBs and hotels? What's a good number of days to spend on the bourbon trail? When is a good day to take a tour? How do you recommend distilleries to different groups? Tell us about the different pods. Where does Maker's fit in? What distillery would you hide out in during a zombie apocalypse? What is the bourbon chase? What are you thoughts on the bourbon bubble? Ashford Key Properties: https://www.facebook.com/ashfordkey/ Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frey Ranch Bourbon. This 4 year old bourbon is 90 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Freddie Johnson is bourbon. You are going to hear that, among many other praises for one of the most well respected people in the industry. He’s a never short on stories and makes any experience together memorable. Of course, Freddie talks about tours and his impact at Buffalo Trace, but then answers questions about bottle flipping and the secondary market. It's great insight into Sazerac's approach on this issue. Make sure you attend the Kentucky Derby Museum's Legends Series next season. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about the latest deal between Brown-Forman and Sazerac. Discussion about white dog. Tell us about giving tours 12 years ago. Talk about the promise to your father. How do you customize the tours? What do the people of Buffalo Trace mean to you? Do you have to buy your own bottles? What is your favorite part of a tour? How do you feel about seeing the high aftermarket prices for Buffalo Trace products? Do you ever get challenged about your products on the tours? What do you think about flipping bottles? What was the most special drink you've shared? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review New Riff Backsetter Rye & Bourbon. Both are 4 years old, 100 proof, and $50 MSRP each. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Today’s roundtable is a potpourri of bourbon questions. We talk about our favorite 10 year age stated bourbons that are readily available. We look into the high aged Knob Creek releases, including the 15 and 12 year, and what this could mean for the private barrel selection program. Then, we talk about some Father’s Day gift ideas that we would like to have. Lastly, we take a moment to look back in time and ask ourselves what we would have done differently if we got into bourbon earlier. This episode is dedicated to raising funds for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Bourbon Pursuit has pledged $1000 to help bring awareness and equality. Show Notes: NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/ This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about aliens. What does your spouse think of your bourbon habit? What's the best age stated 10 year old bourbon? 15 year Knob Creek is being priced at $100+. What happened to the 15 year picks for $45? Father's Day is coming up. If you are buying for the bourbon hobbyist, what's the best possible gift to get? What would *you* want? We all got into this bourbon hobby at different times and learned a lot along the way. If you could go back to the beginning when you got into bourbon, what would you do differently? Aside from buying up every rare bottle on the store shelves. Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Maker's Mark 101 Proof. This non-age stated bourbon is 101 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

For today's episode, we traveled to Woodinville, Washington and sat down with Brett Carlile, Co-Founder, Distiller, and Lead Hose Dragger of Woodinville Whiskey Co. Brett gives an inside look at how him and his best friend, Orlin Sorensen, built one on of the most explosive craft brands on the market. It starts with an idea, enlisting late great Dave Pickerell to provide guidance, and good luck. Their whiskey began turning heads and led to an acquisition by Moet Hennessy. Get insights into their production process and their aging facility, which is a few hours away from the distillery and has a Kentucky-like climate. Show Notes: Du Nord Benefit Discussion Panel: https://youtu.be/-fuH8aSQVhw Du Nord Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minnesota-poc-business-support?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet Distilling Research Grants: https://distillingresearch.org/research/ Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey: https://www.barrellbourbon.com/privatereleasewhiskey This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about how the world needs a drink. How did you get into whiskey? How did you decide to start the distillery? Where did you learn to produce whiskey? Tell us about working with Dave Pickerell. What was your first distillate like? Why Woodinville? Where did you get your mash bill? Was it a success out of the gate or did you run into issues? How long did it take to be successful in Washington? What is the whiskey scene like in Washington?  How long did it take to bottle your product? When did you realize you had good juice? Tell us about the whiskey. Why 90 proof? Talk about your barrels. Where are your warehouses located? Tell us about your rye whiskey. Talk about getting purchased by Moet Hennessy. What has the partnership meant to you all? What markets are you expanding to? What are your plans for distillery expansion? What are you trying to accomplish with the port finish product? How much of the product is lost to evaporation? How do you store the barrels? What do you admire about your partner? Any plans to make an older product?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Four Gate Whiskey Company Batch 6 The Kelvin Collaboration II. This non-age stated bourbon is 126.4 proof and $200 MSRP. Let us know what you think in the comments. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

What does it take to build a bourbon brand from the ground up? In this podcast, you get to hear our story of building Pursuit Spirits. We discuss how we source barrels, design packaging, and navigate the law. Fred interviews Ryan and Kenny on motivation, risks, and how to secure your future with contract distillation. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Rum. How did you all meet? How did you all decide to start the podcast? Talk about starting your own brand. How did you finance the project? Who came up with the idea to call the releases episodes? After creating this brand, do you have more appreciation for distillers being less transparent? What was the most annoying thing about starting the brand? Do you ever get nervous that your model might come crashing down? How have you been able to meet the demand of your audience? Has launching the brand helped you understand the distillers more? How much time went into the packaging? Talk about the cork. Why is there so much variance in TN barrels? How have you reacted to negative criticism? What distilleries have you partnered with? Do all of the episodes sell out? Any thoughts about doing a batching process? Would you consider outside investment? Any plans for contracting distilling? How do you not oversaturate the promotion of Pursuit Series? Favorite episode? What distillery would you want to partner with if you could? If you had to pick between Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Series, which would you pick? If you could buy all the bourbon you wanted from OZ Tyler, would you? Where would you want to spend marketing dollars? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old. This single barrel bourbon is 90 proof and around $200 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

What can you say, sitting down with the Noe family is always a treat. Fred Noe, Master Distiller at Jim Beam, and Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Distiller, are about as genuine and real as it comes. This show takes a bunch of turns. We talk about the new Fred B. Noe Distillery where new projects and small batch blends will take place, Legent, Little Book, and... we ask Fred Noe if he’s ready to retire. You’ll love his response. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Weller. Tell us about the property. What are your plans for growth? What are the plans for the Fred B. Noe Distillery? How did you get interested in blended whiskies? What's the hardest part about blending? Fred, what was your past blending experience? What did you learn when creating Legent? How long was the creation process for Legent? Where did you disagree in the process? What kind of ideas do you have for the new distillery? Do you like focusing on consistency or innovating? Will Little Book always be a blended product? Did you always want to be part of the family business? Fred, are you ready to retire? Talk about the ham house. Any hobbies outside of bourbon? Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage 2019 Edition. This non-age stated whiskey is 100 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of a Patreon supporter. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Support this Podcast on Patreon

Today’s podcast featuring the roundtable talks about the controversial relaunch of the OKI brand. We examine the potential motivating factors behind New Riff selling the label and if it’s a pure money grab by the new company that owns it. We then look at the current landscape of craft distillers and if they will survive the COVID-19 conditions as over 43% of all craft distillery workers have now been laid off or furloughed. Lastly, we see an age statement return to Knob Creek. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about buying whiskey for cheap during the pandemic. OKI is being relaunched with new ownership. Why would New Riff do this and is it a money grab? 118 craft distillers surveyed recently, 42% said they do not believe they will able to stay in business for more than three months with COVID-19. Is the craft boom going to bust? The return of 12 and 9 year Knob Creek. What does this mean for private barrel selections? Thanks to Blake from bourbonr.com, Nick from BreakingBourbon.com, Brian from sippncorn.com, and Kerry from Subourbia for joining. Support this Podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Riverset Rye. This non-age stated rye is 93 proof and $40 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

We went on a road trip to check out Old Dominick distillery in Memphis, TN. We’re excited to let Alex Castle, Master Distiller at Old Dominick, share the history behind the brand and how it was resurrected. We learn about her time at Wild Turkey and then dive into their current operations and product lines. If you are in the Memphis area, make Old Dominick one of your must-stops so you can check out their incredible facility. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Whiskey from Home. Tell us about your background. Did you grow up around bourbon? Talk about your time at UK. What did you love about working at Alltech? What happened after graduating? What was your role at Wild Turkey? How did you end up at Old Dominick? Did Old Dominick have an initial vision? What are honeybells? How was the transition from Kentucky to Tennessee? Tell us about the history of the distillery. How did you decide to launch with the Memphis Toddy? Talk about the design of the facility. What was your vision for the still? What was the inspiration for your recipes? Tell us about your products and mash bills. Talk about the barrels. Why keep the barrel wood regional? Will it be harder to keep the wood regional as you scale? Talk about the rooster. Tell us more about your gin. What hurdles did you have when opening the distillery? How have you been received in Memphis?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Legent Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 94 proof and $35 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

Bourbon and ham, is that a pairing you would expect? To be honest, neither did I. I’m a sucker for killing a plate of prosciutto at a dinner party, but thanks to our guest Steve Coomes, we’ve discovered a new love for country ham. When done right, the saltiness of the ham just hits all the right spots. We sit down with Steve as he talks to us about a past life as a pizza judge (yes, a pizza judge!) and then we get into hams. The diet of the pigs, curing processes, and even his professional opinion of those ham legs you see hanging inside rickhouses. I think it will surprise you. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t do a bourbon and ham pairing. Try not to salivate too much. Show Notes: Bourbon in a Decanter: Does is go bad? https://advancedmixology.com/blogs/art-of-mixology/does-bourbon-go-bad-in-decanter This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Derby. How did you get into spirits writing? Tell us about your bourbon and ham parings. Talk about your culinary background. How do you judge a pizza? Tell us about the hams you brought today. How do you come up with the pairings? Are the pigs fed a specific diet? What is the difference in the thickness of country ham and prosciutto. Tell us about curing. What sizes do hams come in? What flavors are you looking for when pairing? How much does this ham cost? Where can you buy country ham? What do you think about hams aging in rickhouses?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A120. This 12 year old bourbon is 136.6 proof and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association does more for bourbon in the US than just Kentucky alone. Eric Gregory, the President of the KDA, has been on both sides of the government trying to put the interests of the distillers and consumers first. We talk about his experience with government lobbying and how he revived the organization. What is the future of bourbon? Are distribution laws changing, what will happen with tariffs, and how will the Bourbon Trail maintain growth? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about up and coming writers. Tell us about your background. What was it like at the KDA when you first got this job? What was your first lobbying experience at the KDA? Any good horse racing tips? How do you see bourbon growing? What do you think of the tariffs? Tell us about the lobbying process. How do you keep it bipartisan? When you hear rumblings of new taxes what do you all do? Tell us about the steps you have taken from the promotional side of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Affair? How many trail visitors did you have the first year? Talk about partnerships. What are some of the weirdest requests you've gotten from people? Are there other states that look to your organization for guidance? What is your position on the secondary market? Why do so many people oppose shipping alcohol? What do you think about bourbon tourism growth in Bardstown vs. Louisville?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength. This non-age stated bourbon is 130-135 proof and around $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

If you don’t live in Kentucky, you still need to listen because this is the first piece of legislature that could hit your state next. Adam Koenig, State Representative and Chairman for the Licensing and Occupation Committee in the House, and Christy Trout, Lawyer, Former Commissioner the KY Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Special Counsel to the Speaker of the House, give us a break down of the Kentucky House Bill 415. HB415 is the beginning of dismantling the three tier system. Giving consumers the ability to buy directly from distilleries and producers themselves, putting more money back into the pockets of the distillery. No distributor in the equation AND the distiller also acts as the retailer. Second is shipping. Distilleries, as well as breweries and wineries, can now ship to your doorstep in reciprocal states. Listen to get all the details Show Notes: Download the HB415 Summary Support this podcast on Patreon

Today’s podcast, as you guessed it, is a reflection on what’s been happening with COVID-19. The whiskey industry is going to see some big changes. We’ve seen legislation pass as it relates to shipping and delivery of alcohol because it’s deemed an essential part of living and our culture. How long will this trend stick around and will we see this continue when the pandemic is over? Do you want to see more relaxed liquor laws? Lets hear it in the comments. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about grains. Lots has changed since our last roundtable with COVID-19. Are people actually drinking more? Or are they just hoarding? Is distribution down with distilleries producing hand sanitizer? Will COVID-19 change consumer demand indefinitely with services for shipping and delivery? KY HB415 has passed. What could this mean for the greater United States? Should these large corporations that have donated 50k, 500k, or 1M be donating more? Billions in revenue vs a small donation amount in comparison. When this is all over, what’s the best thing that will come out of COVID-19?

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye whiskey is 102 proof and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.