310: Exploring Compass Box Whisky's New Core Collection
Bourbon Lens
In this new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we welcome Racheal Vaughan Jones, Marketing Director at Compass Box Whisky. Racheal shares her journey from working with global drinks brands like Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky to helping shape the direction of Compass Box, one of the most innovative independent Scotch whisky makers in the world. As the driving force behind Compass Box’s recent initiatives, including the launch of their new Core Collection and the Long Live Interesting campaign, Racheal provides an inside look at what makes this brand stand out in the crowded world of Scotch....
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309: Gabriel Macht Talks Bear Fight Whiskey, Acting, and His Love for Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
In this exciting new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we’re joined by actor Gabriel Macht! Known for his iconic role as Harvey Specter on the hit TV show Suits, Gabriel opens up about his latest venture into the world of whiskey as an investor and partner in Bear Fight Whiskey. During this conversation, Gabriel dives deep into his love for fine spirits, the entrepreneurial side of the whiskey industry, and how he found a perfect match with Bear Fight Whiskey. He also reflects on his career in Hollywood, the lasting impact of Suits, and what it’s like to balance acting with his...
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308: True Story Whiskey with Wes Henderson: A New Chapter in the Henderson Family Legacy
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we’re joined by Wes Henderson, the co-founder of Angel’s Envy, as he talks about his exciting new brand, True Story. Wes takes us on a journey through the creation of this new venture, offering insights into the inspiration behind the brand and what sets True Story apart in the world of whiskey. We also dive into two new whiskies from the True Story lineup: Wes shares how True Story marks a new chapter in the Henderson family’s distilling history, reflecting both his personal journey and the family’s commitment to crafting...
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307: Blanton’s Bourbon Super Fan Dominic Guglielmi and His New Book
Bourbon Lens
In the newest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Guglielmi, a Blanton’s Bourbon super fan and author of the new book Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey. We dive deep into the history of Blanton’s, its role in shaping the modern bourbon landscape, and the stories from Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Whether you're a die-hard bourbon aficionado or a casual fan, this episode is a must-listen! We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of...
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306: Kaveh Zamanian of Rabbit Hole Distillery Talks Innovation and New Role at Pernod Ricard
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder and former CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, to discuss his journey in the whiskey world, the evolution of Rabbit Hole, and his new role within the spirits industry. Kaveh and Jake also talk about the new Founder’s Collection – 8-Year-Old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey from Rabbit Hole. We also dive deep into Kaveh’s exciting new chapter at Pernod Ricard as he transitions into his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of North American Distillers. This role brings a significant opportunity to impact the...
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305: Benromach's Unique Speyside Scotch Whisky with Keith Cruickshank
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we dive deep into the world of Benromach, one of Scotland's most celebrated distilleries. We’re joined by Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who walks us through the rich history and what make their subtly smoky Speyside whiskies stand out. We’re honored to taste through their impressive portfolio, including their rare and limited-release 50-Year-Old Scotch, a truly exceptional and costly expression that showcases the artistry and dedication behind Benromach’s craft. Keith shares insights into the distillery’s commitment to...
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304: Fawn Weaver on Her New Book, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and Honoring Nathan Green
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Fawn Weaver, the trailblazing founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn takes us on a journey through her remarkable story—how she discovered the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller, and how she turned that discovery into the globally recognized whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest. Fawn also shares insights into her newly released book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest, which...
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303: A Deep Dive with Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller of 1792 Bourbon
Bourbon Lens
This week, we’re talking about Barton 1792 Distillery and 1792 Bourbon. Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen joins Bourbon Lens to talk about the workhouse bourbon distillery. Barton 1792 is a historic distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World and owned by Sazerac Company. We discuss three limited releases from Barton 1792, including Sweet Wheat, Aged Twelve Years, and Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finished Bourbon. 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...
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302: Sitting Down with Dierks Bentley and His New ROW 94 Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
We’re joined by multi-Platinum country music artist, Dierks Bentley, in this special episode of Bourbon Lens. Dierks recently wrapped up his Gravel & Gold Tour and is firmly planted back in Nashville preparing for his next album. We had the privilege to sit down with Dierks to talk about his newest project, Row 94 Whiskey. Row 94 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled at the historic Green River Distilling Company. Dierks aims for Row 94 to be the bourbon you reach for when you’re enjoying a night with friends, listening to live music, or pouring a whiskey...
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301: Restoration and History with Cook’s Mill Whiskey Founder Jason Queen
Bourbon Lens
On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach we crossed paths with Jason Queen as he was working to promote his bourbon in South Carolina. Jason shared a bit of history with us and a whiskey too. That chance meeting and conversation inspired this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast. Jason, a serial entrepreneur and conservationist purchased Cook’s Mill, an old grist mill in order to restore this once thriving mill. That goal set him on a path to creating a whiskey that is focused paying homage to North Carolina’s past. Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the...
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.
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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