365: Exploring Old Potrero Rye and Junipero Gin with Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co.
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott welcome Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co., Head Distiller/Blender for Old Potrero, and a longtime friend of the show. The conversation spans two shared passions—gin and rye whiskey—and highlights what makes Old Potrero one of the most distinctive producers in American whiskey. Jake and Scott dive into Kevin’s and Scott’s mutual love of gin, including a discussion of Junipero Gin and its lineup, exploring how botanical balance and unique gin prodction resonates with modern drinkers. The conversation then shifts to Old...
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364: Inside James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Hardin’s Creek with Alex Bowie
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott travel to Clermont, Kentucky to sit down with Alex Bowie, Director of Homeplace Experiences at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. The conversation was recorded on location in Beam’s brand-new podcast studio, with Bourbon Lens receiving early access to the space for an exclusive insider look. While working through a few first-day kinks in the new studio, Jake and Scott explore what makes the Beam Homeplace experience unique and dive into the current and upcoming whiskey innovations coming out of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Alex...
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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...
info_outlineWe’re exploring whiskey on ice. Hockey Hall of Famer, Ed Belfour, has launched his own whiskey brand and we had the opportunity to sample two of their whiskies. We were honored to have the opportunity to interview 1999 Stanley Cup Champion, Eddie the Eagle.
During this week’s podcast we discuss:
- Ed’s Canadian roots, his love for Canadian Rye Whisky, and these being the inspiration behind Belfour Spirits
- How Ed’s hands on approach to hockey has bled into the whiskey craft. Ed has studied whiskey, the craft of distilling, selecting barrels, and oversees each batch from start to finish.
- Insight into each whiskey profile, including the Rye Whiskey and Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood.
- Where Belfour Spirits is currently available and sneak peek into future markets
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About Belfour Spirits:
Belfour Spirits – a recently launched (Oct. ’19) ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits’ unique character and stunning packaging, led by Hockey Hall of Famer and Olympian, Ed Belfour.
There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice. In this, his second landmark career, Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour has teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting ultra premium spirits that honor legends, warriors and everyday heroes. From generational lessons to stories of underdog triumph, there’s a legend in every glass.
From On-ice Intensity to Distillation Precision: Since 2014, Ed and Dayn have been on an endless pursuit to learn all things whiskey, attending schools in Kentucky and Canada, exploring the finest ingredients and equipment, and talking with industry veterans and rookies alike. Today, these Founding Distillers are hands on in every aspect of the business, from creation of the Belfour family mash bill to blending, and from label design to consumer tastings.
Future Growth: Belfour Spirits has created more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey, and more are slated for production in 2020 and each year beyond.With corporate headquarters in Dallas, Belfour Spirits plans to lay our distilling roots in Kentucky, growing the business in bourbon country. The distillery, tasting room and gift shop are expected to open to the public in 2022. For Ed Belfour, hockey is just the beginning of the legacy he wishes to leave. This is more than a job for him; it’s a second dream come true. And he’s all in.
Belfour currently has three premium whiskeys in its profile:
- Rye Whiskey
- Bourbon Whiskey Finished w/ Texas Pecan Wood
- Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey
- Rye Whiskey 47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML. Aged min. 18 mos. A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and lures you in with every sip. A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma is followed by a warm sweet taste and soothing finish. You’ll want to pour this unexpected spirit all night.
- Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber
- Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma, leather
- Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, tobacco
- Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish
- Mash Bill: Rye, corn, malted barley
- Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood 46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML. The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, over sized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. Born out of one of the natural wonders of the Lone Star State, this 92-proof Bourbon Whiskey aged beautifully in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood. These imparted subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan.
- Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
- Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee
- Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses
- Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich mouthfeel layered with vanilla
- Mash Bill: Corn, wheat, malted barley
Photo Credit: Belfour Spirits