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_outline
323: The Origin Story of Bourbon Lore with Mason Walker & Clay Risen
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, host Jake sits down with Mason Walker and Clay Risen from Bourbon Lore®, a unique community of bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs built around a shared love for the best American whiskey has to offer. Together, they discuss the history of bourbon, delving into its origins, the iconic figures behind its rise, and the enduring legacy that has made it one of America’s most celebrated spirits. Tune in and discover the origin story of Bourbon Lore! If you’re ultra-passionate about bourbon or want to learn more about its most legendary...
info_outline
322: Exploring Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.'s New Location with Walter Zausch
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott take a trip to the . We sit down with Walter Zausch to learn about the distillery’s exciting new space and what visitors can expect when they visit either of their locations. From the one-of-a-kind experience of thieving unique whiskies directly from the barrel to the vibrant atmosphere of NuLu, this episode dives into the distinct experience Whiskey Thief offers its guests. Walter shares behind-the-scenes insights into the distillery's growth, the evolving bourbon scene in Louisville, and what makes their approach to bourbon...
info_outline
321: Bottled in Bond with Heaven Hill’s Bernie Lubbers & Adam Edwards
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we take a trip to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Whisky Row, located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. We sit down with two of Heaven Hill’s finest, Bernie Lubbers and Adam Edwards, to dive deep into the world of Bottled in Bond. As one of the most significant designations in the bourbon industry, Bottled in Bond holds a special place at Heaven Hill. Bernie and Adam provide invaluable insight into its history, its meaning to both bourbon enthusiasts and consumers, and why this category is still thriving in today’s bourbon landscape. Tune in as...
info_outline
320: Bulleit Unveils New Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon: Celebrating Bottled in Bond Day
Bourbon Lens
In this special episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott dive into an exciting new release from Bulleit Whiskey – their first-ever Bottled-in-Bond bourbon expression. In honor of Bottled in Bond Day (March 3), we're joined by Courtney King. Courtney is the Distillery Manager at Bulleit Distillery and she joins us to share insights on the distilling process, the importance of the Bottled-in-Bond designation, and what makes this new expression stand out. Discover the journey behind Bulleit's latest innovation, how the team crafted this whiskey to meet the stringent...
info_outline
319: Exploring Larrikin Bourbon Co. with Co-Founder Greg Keeley
Bourbon Lens
In this exciting new episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Greg Keeley, the co-founder of Larrikin Bourbon Co., to dive deep into the building (and rebranding) of a bourbon company. Together, they discuss the origins of Larrikin Bourbon Co., the brand’s ethos, and what makes their whiskey stand out in a crowded market. 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...
info_outline
318: The Best Bourbon Distilleries from Around the United States
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, hosts Jake and Scott take a closer look at some of their favorite bourbon distilleries from across the United States. Join us as we explore Wyoming Whiskey, Boulder Spirits, Holladay Distillery, and more, and dive into what makes each of these distilleries unique. Did we miss any of your favorite "non-Kentucky Bourbon" distilleries? Drop us a line and tell us which distillery we need to discover next. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of Patreon supporters!...
info_outline
317: High Bank Small Batch Bourbon: A New Chapter for Ohio Distillery
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott are joined by Adam Hines, co-founder of High Bank Distillery Co., to discuss the release of their highly anticipated High Bank Small Batch Bourbon. This release marks a new chapter in the distillery's journey, bringing their very own well-aged and flavorful bourbon to market. Adam talks about the six years of waiting and crafting that went into creating this unique bourbon, highlighting its wheated mash bill. According to the distillery, High Bank Small Batch Bourbon offers a rich nose of malted chocolate and oak, followed by sweet wheat,...
info_outline
316: Chicken Cock Whiskey's New Stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott are joined by Will Woodington, the National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of Chicken Cock Whiskey, discuss its distinctive branding, and explore its exciting new chapter as it joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with their visitor experience, Circa 1856 in Bardstown. Tune in to learn more about this iconic whiskey brand, its legacy, and what makes Chicken Cock Whiskey appealing for any bourbon enthusiast. Plus, get an inside look at Circa 1856 as Chicken Cock continues to expand...
info_outline
315: On the Hunt for Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott dive deep into the highly anticipated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024. Join them as they explore the flavors and complexities of these limited release whiskies, giving their thoughts and insights on each whiskey in the collection. A special thanks to the team at Sazerac for providing the opportunity to taste these rare whiskeys. Without their support, this episode wouldn't have been possible. Don't miss out—listen now for an inside look at the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024! We are thankful for your support over...
info_outlineCombining a passion for spirits, industry knowledge, and blending expertise, Phenomenal Spirits has released its first whiskey. RY3 Whiskey (Pronounced “Rye 3 Whiskey”) is a rum cask finished whiskey that was carefully crafted from this blending house. Phenomenal Spirits, Karthik Sudhir and Matt Witzig, joins Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey. Karthik is the Founder / CEO of Phenomenal Spirits and drives product development, strategy, brand positioning, market expansion, and investor relations. Matt was the Co-Founder, Master Distiller, and Head Blender at Joseph Magnus Whiskey prior to joining Phenomenal Spirits as Master Blender and COO. You learn more about the origins of the brand and blending house as well as where they wish to take this brand next.
We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app, leave us a review, or tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].
Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.
Cheers,
Scott, Michael & Jake
Bourbon Lens
Phenomenal Spirits Press Release:
Phenomenal Spirits announces the release of RY3 Whiskey, the craft spirits company’s third ultra-premium spirit introduction in the US in 2020. RY3 is a distinct blend of 3 extraordinary whiskeys, 3 carefully handpicked mash-bills, and 3 distinctive aged statements, that are meticulously blended with artisanal distinction to create an unparalleled whiskey. The culmination of this exceptionally well-balanced whiskey is finished in vintage rum casks, resulting in a sipping experience of silky-smooth rye with layers of fruity and complex notes from the rum barrels.
Phenomenal Spirits Founder & CEO, Karthik Sudhir commented, “Craft whiskey consumers have truly embraced rye whiskey, America’s original iconic spirit. According to Distilled Spirits Council of US, between 2009 and 2019, rye volumes skyrocketed by 1,275%, growing to 1.2 million cases and continue their impressive surge, growing 15% in the past year[1]. With the resurgence of rye whiskey, product innovation has reached new heights, spurring consumer’s curiosity. We developed RY3 Whiskey with these curious consumers in mind. RY3 is one of a few Rye whiskies finished in rum casks, offering drinkers layers of intense flavor and complexity for a contemporary and exciting Rye drinking experience.”
Phenomenal Spirits is on a steadfast mission to create exceptionally high-quality brands that fill untapped opportunities in the spirits category. To help guide this mission, Sudhir is partnering with Matt Witzig, Master Distiller and Co-founder of Joseph Magnus Bourbon. An icon in spirits distillation, Witzig is working in concert with Sudhir and his team to build a portfolio of unparalleled brands for the curious spirits consumer and aficionado alike. Since August 2020, the Phenomenal team has launched Ron Izalco 10 Year and Ron Izalco 15 Year Cask Strength Rums and now, RY3 Whiskey. The duo is looking ahead to their next ambitious venture, a Private Release/Cask Strength Whiskey Program, which debuts in December 2020 with more planned in 2021.
Phenomenal Spirits operates its own blending facility in Virginia Beach, VA to achieve scale and operational efficiency. The company is fully functional, allowing the team to control quality and consistency along with all aspects of product development. Sudhir added, “We are thrilled with US consumer’s embrace of our rums in the short time since they debuted earlier this year. With Matt on board, we are very excited to introduce a range of daring new products beginning with RY3 Whiskey, a true gem in the rye category.”
RY3 Whiskey sells for a suggested retail price of $54.99/750ml and is available in Washington DC, Maryland, and Delaware through Lanterna Distributors, in Mississippi and Alabama through Mad Vines and Spirits, and nationally through Curiada’s E-Commerce platform. The company plans to launch in Connecticut, Tennessee, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the early part of 2021.
To learn more about RY3 Whiskey and Phenomenal Spirits, visit www.phenomenalspirits.com and www.ry3whiskey.com