333: Inside Independent Bottling: Jason Johnstone-Yellin of Single Cask Nation
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Jason Johnstone-Yellin, co-founder of Single Cask Nation, to explore the world of independent bottling. Jason shares the story behind the brand, the art of selecting unique casks, and how Single Cask Nation builds transparency and trust with its community of whisky lovers. From Scotch to American Whiskey and beyond, Jason discusses how Single Cask Nation navigates the global spirits market, cultivates relationships with distilleries, and continues to push the boundaries of what independent bottlers can offer. Whether you’re a...
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332: Celebrating 10 Years of Frey Ranch with the Harvester Series
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott raise a glass to Frey Ranch Distillery as they unveil the 10th Anniversary Harvester Series. The duo dives into the history of Frey Ranch, explores the innovation behind this milestone release, and shares stories from years of collaboration and friendship with the Frey Ranch team. Listeners will get an inside look at what makes Frey Ranch’s grain-to-glass approach so unique, how the Harvester Series stands out in the market, and why this Nevada-based distillery continues to be a fan favorite in the American whiskey...
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331: RD1 Distillery Has A New Brand Home
Bourbon Lens
Jake travels down 1-64 to Lexington to see the new RD1 Distillery Brand Home. While there, he sits down with co-founder and National Brand Ambassador Barry Brinegar. Sit back and buckle into the latest episode of the bourbon lens. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we’d appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written...
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330: Unpacking Joseph Magnus with Master Blender Nancy Fraley and CEO Ali Anderson
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with one of the original ultra premium bourbons: Joseph A Magnus. We are joined by CEO of Craft Co Ali Anderson and world renowned blender Nancy Fraley. You won’t want to miss this episode as we unpack the history of Joseph Magnus, Murray Hill Club and the original Cigar Blend. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens...
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329: Exploring 3 Unique New Tequila Cask-Finished Whiskeys
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott dive into the . The conversation highlights three standout new bottles: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Tequila Cask Finish, Blood Oath Pact 11, and Woodinville Tequila Finished Bourbon. It's the perfect podcast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The hosts explore how finishing bourbon in tequila barrels affects aroma, flavor, and overall complexity—bringing out vibrant citrus, vegetal agave notes, and a unique sweetness not typically found in traditional bourbon and rye. They also discuss the influence American Whiskey has...
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328: Blood Oath Pact 11 and Lux Row's Journey with John Rempe
Bourbon Lens
In our latest episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake travels to Bardstown to sit down with John Rempe, Master Distiller of Lux Row. During the interview the distillery was electric as their Front Row members were awaiting some of the first sips of the new . Our conversation centered around the new bourbon finished in anejo Tequila barrels. However, there is a lot happening at the distillery as they continue to become a household name across the world. Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must...
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327: A Conversation with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Craft Spirits
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey. The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits Tripp unpacks what sets Barrell apart in a crowded whiskey market, especially its blender-first approach to crafting high-quality, small batch and single barrel releases. Listeners will get an insider’s view of how Barrell sources and blends its whiskey,...
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326: Crafting a Unique Whiskey Blend at J. Mattingly 1845
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast. A special thanks goes out to Amy Preske for arranging this memorable day, and to Dakota and the entire J. Mattingly team for the warm hospitality and deep knowledge of bourbon blending. The episode also touches on the recent severe weather in Kentucky, including destructive tornadoes, historic flooding, and other storms that have deeply...
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325: Building The MACKLOWE Whiskey Brand with Julie Macklowe
Bourbon Lens
In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits apart in the world of whiskey. Julie shares her insights on building a successful whiskey brand, her deep passion for high-quality spirits, and how The MACKLOWE stands out in an increasingly competitive market. They also dive into the current state...
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324: Augusta Distillery and Its Future with Master Distiller Alex Castle
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Augusta Distillery’s master distiller, Alex Castle. Alex shares the story of her journey to Augusta after her time at Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her transition and the innovative direction she's taking Augusta Distillery. During the conversation, we dive into Augusta's approach to sourced whiskey, their unique commitment to producing single cask and cask strength bourbons, and the philosophy that drives their craft. Alex also shares insights into their future plans as...
info_outlineWe're discussing a new style of whiskey for us, American Single Malt Whiskey. And who better to talk with than Westland Distillery, co-founders of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. We discuss what makes an American Single Malt Whiskey and the efforts to ratify a definition on a national level to protect the whiskey category.
We enjoyed 3 of Westland’s single malts; American Oak, Sherry Wood, and Peated. Made from 100% barley, American Single Malt Whiskey may not share a lot of similarities with Kentucky Bourbon, but we enjoyed exploring the style. The rise in interest of the category has developed a lot of unique offerings across the country to compete with bourbon and rye whiskey.
According to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, there are six standards of identity. An American single malt must be:
- Made from 100% malted barley
- Distilled entirely in one distillery
- Mashed, distilled and matured in the U.S.
- Matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof (or 80% ABV)
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or more
LINKS:
Westland Distillery
American Single Malt Whiskey Commission
How Westland Is Leading An American Single Malt Revolution
Matt Hofmann, Westland Master Distiller - Interview
What Is American Single Malt
Seattle Scotch Is A Thing. And It’s Good.
NOTE: This show was recorded prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus/ Covid-19 in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas. We do not address this topic in this show for that reason. We send our best wishes to everyone that has been impacted by this virus and pandemic.
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- Scott, Michael, & Jake