279: A Toast to the Story of Blackwood Distilling Co.
Bourbon Lens
We sit down with our friend, Zach Johnston, of Blackwood Distilling Co. Zach is currently the Chief Business Officer of International Sales for Blackwood. We discuss Zach’s background in the spirits world, including his time writing for UPROXX and judging spirits competitions. Zach is tasked with growing Blackwood to the next level as they grow their portfolio from ultra-limited edition releases to gain a broader audience in the international market. We taste through their limited release Toasted Bourbon and Toasted Rye Whiskey, discuss their plans for future releases, and tease some...
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278: Visiting Limestone Branch Distillery's New Tasting Lodge
Bourbon Lens
Jake travels to Lebanon KY to visit Limestone Branch and see the . He’s joined by Master Distiller, Stephen Beam, and Stephen Fante, Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch. They discuss the new facility, the single barrel program, and growing the Yellowstone Whiskey brand. Don’t miss this episode. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of 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,...
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277: The New Chapter in the History of Templeton Distillery
Bourbon Lens
Our guest today is Shane Fitzharris for Templeton Distillery in Iowa. Shane is the Senior VP for Commercial for Infinium Spirits, owner of the Templeton Distillery and brands. We discuss the next chapter in Templeton’s history as they recently released their first spirit distilled in-house; Fortitude Straight Iowa Bourbon. We discuss the history of the brand, their revival of the brand, and how they sourced a very popular Rye Whiskey to grow their brand to be in a position to distill and release their own distilled spirits. We are thankful for your support over the...
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276: How Brown-Forman Focuses on Sustainability with a Global Spirits Portfolio
Bourbon Lens
Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability. With responsibility over the company’s diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas within the supply chain and beyond where they can implement green initiatives. Brown-Forman (home to iconic brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Old Forester, Tequila Herradura, and Woodford Reserve) is working on making...
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275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
Bourbon Lens
Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in . Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys. Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take...
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274: What is Your "Special Occasion" Bourbon?
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott are talking about bourbons that are perfect for special occasions. As we head into Derby season here in the Bluegrass State and the upcoming Kentucky Derby 150, we couldn't help but think that it would be a perfect event to crack open some special bottles. We discuss some advice on finding a special bottle to celebrate an occasion, event, or a special person. The best part is, a special occasion pour doesn’t always have to be priceless or unobtainable. Some of the best choices might be right under our noses. What’s one bottle that you are saving...
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273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey. These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year. How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt? Find out in today's episode! The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The expressions are the latest in the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions launched in 2021 to honor the brand’s whiskey-making...
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272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR
Bourbon Lens
The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond. We discuss the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch, the importance of sponsors in the sport, and how Kyle exemplifies the Rebel Spirit. Master Distiller John Rempe talks about his work at Lux Row Distillers, production of the Rebel...
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271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future
Bourbon Lens
Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky. Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse. We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his goals for the brand in the future. Check out this week’s insightful episode featuring Green River Distilling Co. For more details on Green River Rye Whiskey, check out the release info on . We are thankful for your support over the...
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270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa
Bourbon Lens
We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery. Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode. We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Double Barrel Bourbon. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time...
info_outlineThere's no question that twice-barreled bourbons are becoming more popular. However, a large majority these of bourbons are being finished in used barrels which previously contained wine, rum, or brandy. Some, such as the two bourbons we are discussing today are finished in a second, virgin charred oak barrel. We discuss the ever-popular Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and compare it to a bourbon from growing, innovative craft distillery. That is Starlight Distillery and their Carl T. Huber’s Indiana Straight Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey. We discuss the "double oaked" category and how it doesn't always mean "over-oaked". Sometimes, due to the secondary barrel's characteristics, more unique flavors can be developed in a relatively short period of time. What is your favorite double oaked bourbon? Be sure to reach out and let us know.
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Scott, Jake, and Michael
The Bourbon Lens
About Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber’s Indiana Straight Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
Starlight Distillery’s brand new Double Oaked project begins with a fresh blending of Carl T. bourbon that is at least 4 years old which is used to fill a second, new American Oak barrel from Seguin Moreau in Napa, California. We crafted 5 barrels for the first round of this project. 2 of these 5 barrels have already been selected as private barrel picks, one for a retailer in Washington D.C. and one for a retailer in Indianapolis. Historically, the Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage only produced wine barrels. When the company decided to start producing bourbon barrels, Starlight Distillery became one of their first clients. For our Double Oaked project, Seguin Moreau created the Vanilla Toast barrel. Our Carl T. bourbon becomes richer, more oaky, bolder, and more flavorful in these barrels. To achieve this, the bourbon has aged for a minimum of 8 months in the barrel.”
Carl T. small batch bourbon is a blend of our 3 and 4 grain mashbills (60% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley and 51% corn, 20% rye, 20% malted barley, 9% wheat)
Source: http://www.starlightdistillery.com/
About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
An innovative approach to twice-barreled bourbon creates the rich and colorful flavor of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Uniquely matured in separate, charred oak barrels – the second barrel deeply toasted before a light charring – extracts additional soft, sweet oak character.
TASTING NOTES (From Woodford Reserve)
PROOF - 90.4°
APPEARANCE - Deep Amber.
NOSE - Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak.
TASTE - A full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices.
FINISH - Long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple.
Source: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/whiskey/double-oaked/