263 - Distillation Deep Dive with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Bourbon
Release Date: 07/23/2020
320 - What is Craft Whiskey by Craft Whiskey with Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek and Alan Bishop from Spirits of French Lick
Bourbon Pursuit
Back on , the roundtable discussed when does craft whiskey stop becoming craft whiskey. Well, the internet is full of opinions and we heard every last one of them. Many of whom said, "Why don't you get some real craft distillers on the show and ask them?" Well, we took your advice and did just that. We're joined by Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek and Alan Bishop from Spirits of French Lick to talk about what craft means to them. We also discuss their thoughts on sourcing and how they overcome the craft stigma to set themselves apart from the rest. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been...
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Whiskey Quickie: Walker's Cay Bourbon Review
Bourbon Pursuit
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Walker's Cay Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90 proof and $37 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.
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Whiskey Quickie: Maker's Mark RC6 Review
Bourbon Pursuit
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Maker's Mark RC6. This is Maker's Mark's first national limited release. It's non-age stated, 108.2 proof, and $60 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.
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319 - Subscription Models, 5 New Fall Releases, and Dickel Bourbon on Bourbon Community Roundtable #60
Bourbon Pursuit
It's the 60th Bourbon Community Roundtable where we've got 3 topics of recent news to cover. Beam Suntory is launching new subscription models for Little Book and Maker's Mark which makes us wonder if this trend will continue for most major distilleries. Fall release season is around the corner so Jordan from Breaking Bourbon picks out 5 releases to discuss. Lastly, George Dickel has released a bourbon, which is the same recipe as their Tennessee Whiskey, why would they do that? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about climate and the...
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Whiskey Quickie: Old Forester 2021 Birthday Bourbon Review
Bourbon Pursuit
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review 2021 Birthday Bourbon. This 12 year old bourbon is 104 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.
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318 - What is Dusty Bourbon?
Bourbon Pursuit
So what is a dusty bourbon? Well... it's just an old bourbon. The idea was that these were bottles that used to sit on the shelves and collect dust. Now a days, these are rare gems and lots of bourbon hunters go crazy looking for them. Unfortunately, the days of finding a 1980s Old Grand Dad on the shelf are long gone, but we sit down and analyze what makes a dusty a dusty. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with (@fredminnick) talks about yeast. What's the allure of dusties? What makes dusties different? Are there any dusities you should stay away from? Let's discuss bourbon hunting?...
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Whiskey Quickie: Taconic Mizunara Cask Bourbon Review
Bourbon Pursuit
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Taconic Mizunara Cask Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 107 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! 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.
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317 - The Science of Whiskey Webs with Stuart Williams from the University of Louisville
Bourbon Pursuit
About twice a year we have a guest on the show that just amazes us with the science behind bourbon. Stuart Williams is a professor that directs the microfluidic systems laboratory at the University of Louisville. He discovered that when bourbon begins evaporating, it creates a web that resembles constellations in the dark sky. Stuart was able to document his findings and show how bourbons that come from the same distillery create similar webs. Pictures speak louder than words so make sure you check out his website at to see the stunning representations. Show Notes: This week’s Above the...
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Whiskey Quickie: Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey Review
Bourbon Pursuit
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey. This rapid aged rye whiskey is 100 proof and $40 MSRP (375mL). Let us know what you think. Cheers! 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.
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316 - More About Michter's with Master Distiller Dan McKee
Bourbon Pursuit
We’ve had the opportunity to interview lots of great people from Michter's such as their Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson, President Joseph Magliocco, and their former Master Distiller Pam Heilmann. When Pam retired in April of 2019, Dan McKee stepped in. Dan worked alongside Pam at Jim Beam for many years and has a wealth of industry knowledge. We talk about selecting barrels for the 20 and 25 year old releases and learn more about what goes into their everyday products. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with (@fredminnick) talks about local store relationships. What's the...
info_outlineMany 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?