363: Jack Daniel’s New Tanyard Hill Rye & Heritage Barrel with Chris Fletcher
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, to discuss several of the most exciting recent and upcoming releases from the historic Tennessee distillery. The conversation covers the debut of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, a new year-round offering built around barrels matured at the distillery’s highest elevations. Chris walks through the unique Heritage Barrel program, how lower barrel entry proof and warehouse placement influence flavor, and why this release...
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362: Inside The Classic Cocktail Revival with Jennifer Brian
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens welcomes Jennifer Brian, "Cocktail Evangelist" and founder of , to discuss her upcoming book, , which released in September 2025 from the University Press of Kentucky. Born in the Bluegrass and shaped by deep family roots in Eastern Kentucky, Jennifer’s earliest memories of hospitality, food traditions, and gracious gatherings laid the foundation for her 25-year career in the hospitality industry. From luxury catering and event planning to becoming a nationally recognized cocktail evangelist, her work centers on collaboration, education, and making cocktails approachable for...
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361: Burnt Tavern Bourbon & William Berkele Distillery
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with members of the team behind Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a new bourbon developed by William Berkele Distillery in collaboration with renowned whiskey maker Chip Tate. Joining the conversation are Bennett Clark, President of William Berkele Distillery, Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, and Chip Tate, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss the origins of Burnt Tavern Bourbon, the historical inspiration behind the brand, and how William Berkele Distillery is bringing a centuries-old story into the modern whiskey landscape. The episode...
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360: Inside the Estate Whiskey Alliance at UK's Beam Institute
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens heads to Lexington, Kentucky for an on-location episode at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, located at the University of Kentucky. We sit down with Alexa Narel, Operations Manager for the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Landon Borders, Director, to explore how the Alliance is reshaping the future of whiskey grain, sustainability, and transparency. The Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) brings together farmers, distillers, researchers, and industry partners to develop scientifically backed standards for estate-grown whiskey. Alexa and Landon break down what “estate...
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359: Field of Dreams Whiskey - Baseball, Bourbon, and Blending History
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Field of Dreams Whiskey Co-founders Andy Keller and Drew Storen, former Major League Baseball pitcher, to talk about how their shared passion for the game and great whiskey turned into one of the most unique whiskey projects in America. The conversation dives into the origin story of Field of Dreams Whiskey, Drew’s journey through the Major Leagues, and what life looks like after baseball. Andy and Drew share how the spirit of teamwork, community, and nostalgia behind Field of Dreams continues to inspire their approach to whiskey...
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358: Southern Distilling’s Pete Barger on American Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott welcome back Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company and Statesville Contract Distilling, for an in-depth conversation about the growth and innovation happening in North Carolina whiskey. Pete shares insights into the distillery’s world-class production operations and how Southern Distilling has positioned itself as one of the largest producers of American Whiskey in the Southeast. The discussion dives into two standout whiskeys from their portfolio — Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey and Southern Star Bottled...
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357: Showcasing Westland Garryana 10th Edition American Single Malt
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott sit down with Shane Armstrong of Westland Distillery to explore the growing American Single Malt movement. Westland has helped pioneer the category through innovation, transparency, and a true sense of place in the Pacific Northwest. The conversation centers on the release of Garryana 10th edition, Westland’s acclaimed limited-edition Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged a full 10 years, this special release represents the apex of the Garryana story, showcasing the unique influence of Quercus garryana, the rare native oak of the Pacific Northwest. Shane discusses...
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356: Three Chord Bourbon Volume 2, Vinyl Revival, & Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is joined by Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker for Three Chord Bourbon, to talk about the brand’s newly released Volume 2 Series — a refreshed lineup featuring bold new blends, labels, and a creative direction deeply rooted in music culture. The Volume 2 collection introduces redesigned packaging that draws inspiration from classic vinyl records and live concert photography, reinforcing Three Chord’s connection between the worlds of whiskey and rock-and-roll. Ari shares the creative process behind these new blends and how the brand continues to evolve its identity through both...
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355: Organic Spirits & Mountain Craft with Warfield Distillery’s Alex Buck
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Alex Buck, Co-Founder and Managing Distiller of Warfield Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum, Idaho. The two discuss the origins of Warfield, how Alex transitioned from a career in law to distilling, and the inspiration behind the brand’s focus on organic spirits and sustainability. Alex shares insight into Warfield’s American Whiskey, Gin, and Barreled Gin, each crafted with a dedication to quality ingredients and a commitment to transparency in production. They explore what sets Warfield apart in the spirits world — from its...
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354: Whiskey with a Sense of Place - New Single Warehouse Releases
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott explore how certain new whiskey releases capture a true sense of place — from the rickhouses of Kentucky to the hills of Tennessee. They start with the latest installment of the from Wild Turkey Distillery, featuring barrels aged in the legendary Camp Nelson E rickhouse. Each release in this series reflects the unique environmental conditions that make individual rickhouses so special to the final flavor profile. The discussion also touches on the releases from James B. Beam Distilling Co., continuing the brand’s innovative storytelling...
info_outlineAmerican Single Malt Whiskey is on the rise and Wanderback Whiskey is right in the middle and playing a unique role. Phil Downer, Founder of Wanderback Whiskey, joins the Bourbon Lens to discuss the growing market category and what inspired him to create his unique brand. Wanderback produces hand-crafted, limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon. Instead of making a flagship whiskey and reproducing the same taste over and over, Wanderback prefers to explore the endless possibilities of American whiskeys through partnerships.
Once distilled, their whiskey is transported to the family Farm in Hood River, Oregon for aging. Barrel selection is a deep passion and exploring unique cask types allows the whiskey to unveil its final and fullest expression. This process gives Wanderback the freedom to interpret endless iterations of limited edition American single malt whiskeys. They have currently released 3 batches and intend to release annually in addition to special releases.
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Cheers,
Scott, Jake, and Michael
The Bourbon Lens
Links:
The Whiskey Wash - Wanderback Whiskey - A Sourced Whiskey Story Done Right
Hood River Oregon Tourism
Distiller.com - American Malt Whiskey
Seven Fifty.com - Emerging Styles of ASMW
Vine Pair - American Single Malt Whiskey
Esquire.com Best American Single Malt Whiskey Bottles
Whisky Advocate - American Malt Whiskey
American Single Malt Whiskey Commission
More About The Brand
Phil Downer founded Wanderback Whiskey Co. out of a strong passion for the burgeoning American single malt whiskey category, a belief that collaboration and transparency would create better whiskeys, and his desire to revitalize the family cherry orchard in Hood River, Oregon. Phil is currently completing his Brewing and Distilling Diploma at the famed Heriot Watt University in Scotland.
Wanderback has a unique mission and production process that combines the experience of top distilleries around the country with the mastery and vision of Wanderback’s founder, Phil Downer, to create small batches, of limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon that are unique, bold, and draw on the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
Details on the 3 Batches Enjoyed During this Episode
Batch No 1 American single malt whiskey
Made in collaboration with Westland Distillery in Seattle, our first ever American Single Malt whiskey release is an exceptional single malt made from a mix of four flavorful PNW barley malts and aged in new American oak barrels. Winner of the 2018 double gold medal from The American Distilling Institute.
Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: Minimum 3 years
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks
Bottle Proof: 90 Proof
Batch No 2 American single malt whiskey
Batch No. 2 is made from the same grain bill as our first release. But, this time around we’ve explored unique finishes by transferring the whiskey into Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon barrels at our farm in Hood River, Oregon. The additional six months in these barrels lends the whiskey a sweeter, savory and less smoky flavor profile. Winner of the 2020 gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: Minimum 4 years in New American Oak then additional 6 months finishing in Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks plus 53-gallon Nicaraguan ex-rum and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Bottle Proof: 100 Proof
Batch No 3 American single malt whiskey
Batch No. 3 is made from the same grain bill as the prior releases.This batch has been aged for a minimum of 5 years in new american oak and ex-bourbon barrels and finished in port wine casks. The port wine cask and the longer aging period have created a truly complete whiskey to add to our lineup. The effects of the port barrels display a smooth balanced mouthfeel with notes of dried dark fruits, cocoa nib, and toasted pecan. This is not your port forward whiskey. The true beauty of this whiskey is found in a happy medium of influence from the various casks used while not overshadowing the amazing product we started with.
Mash Bill: Washington Select Pale Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Munich Malt, Crystal Malt
Aged: 5 years in New American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels with an additional 6 weeks finishing in port wine casks.
Distillation Type: Double pot distilled
Barrel: 53-Gallon High Toast, Low Char New American Oak Casks plus 53-gallon French ex-port and Heaven Hill ex-bourbon casks
Bottle Proof: 90 Proof