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_outlineJake heads down to Owensboro Kentucky to smash some barrels with the crew from Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. He sits down with Founder Seth Benhaim to discuss the brand’s re-introduction to the market, donning new packaging and seeing great growth since we last visited with Seth. Check out Episode 49 (link below) for our first episode with Seth way back in December 2019. They spend the episode tasting through the core lineup of Broken Barrel Whiskies, which is sure to include something for everyone.
We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. 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, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens
Show Links:
- Bourbon Lens & Broken Barrel - Episode 49 from December 2019
- Broken Barrel Whiskey on Instagram
- Broken Barrel - Official Website
The Whiskey Lineup:
SMALL BATCH BOURBON - 95 Proof
Our flagship Small Batch Bourbon is finished with our signature Oak Bill. What is an Oak Bill? Unlike traditional methods of simply barrel aging and bottling a whiskey, our process entails additional steps to create layered, complex flavors not commonly found in your everyday bourbon. By smashing used barrels and combining the staves from Ex-Bourbon, Sherry, and French oak barrels in a specific ratio, we have built an award-winning bourbon that defies expectations and delivers delicious flavor and harmonious balance.
COLOR
Dark honey
AROMA
Oak forward, sherry, and marzipan
TASTE
Woody, walnut, with charred brown sugar
FINISH
Peppery fiery finish, with notes of orange blossom and close.
OAK BILL
40% Ex-Bourbon Cask, 40% / Medium Charred French / 20% Sherry Cask
MASH BILL
70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
CALIFORNIA OAK - 88 Proof
Our founder, born and raised in California, is both wildly passionate about both wine and whiskey. His love for excellent bourbon coupled with his access to fresh Central Coast cabernet sauvignon casks combined for a truly exceptional whiskey. We are proud to present our California Oak Straight Kentucky Bourbon, which earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition right out of the gate in 2020. This bourbon beautifully represents its dual citizenship by showcasing the superiority of Kentucky distilled and aged bourbon, as well as the rich nuanced complexities of California's Central Coast cabernet.
COLOR:
Red-Amber
AROMA:
Mild oak/woody aroma, subtle fruit layered over a deeper dark cherry note and hints of baking spices.
TASTE:
Caramel body and balanced sugars, dates, persimmons and cranberry essence.
FINISH:
Peppery with cabernet tannins, fruity body and sweetened honeycomb-like finish.
OAK BILL™:
80% Central Coast Cabernet Cask Staves / 20% French Oak Staves
MASH BILL:
70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
CASK STRENGTH BOURBON - 115 Proof
Broken Barrel Cask Strength bourbon is unapologetically bold, offering a stronger-than-most in class value. There are fewer Kentucky Bourbon’s offering 115 Proof quite like this, and even fewer that finish with Sherry or French Oak to deliver complexity and depth. Enjoyable neat, over ice or in a high-proof cocktail, this bourbon can go where many others cannot. There Is a unique profile within the Broken Barrel range, but none can compete with the power of the cask strength offering. There is a surprisingly smooth finish and flavor to this powerhouse whiskey that's unexpected given the proof.
COLOR
Dark Copper
AROMA
Herbal, vanilla, Crème Brûlée, kettle corn
TASTE
Hazelnut, candy corn, warm spice, banana bread, vanilla
FINISH
Fresh blackberry, caramel, hint of orange, corn and cinnamon spice.
OAK BILL
40% Ex-Bourbon Cask, 40% / Medium Charred French / 20% Oloroso Sherry
MASH BILL
70% Corn / 21% Rye / 9% Malted Barley
HERESY RYE - 105 Proof
Like our other whiskeys, our Rye is distilled grain-to-glass in Owensboro, Kentucky. Our Heresy Rye whiskey is unlike any rye you’ve had. Charred French oak give lend oak-forward to the spirit, while freshly dumped ex-bourbon barrel and sherry cask staves all join forces to create a balanced and smooth taste and finish to this fiery rye. Just like our Broken Barrel, we proudly infuse this whiskey our way, and we’re not sorry. Call it sacrilegious, call it untraditional, call it heresy - we won’t be offended. Trust us, once you taste our whiskey you may begin to question the tradition yourself.
COLOR
Deep Amber Brown
AROMA
Cedar, plum, pumpernickel bread
TASTE
Sweet vanilla, bread yeast, charred oak and brown sugar
FINISH
Spicy rye finish, with a buttery mouthfeel and caramel sweetness
MASH BILL
95% Rye; 5% Malted Barley
OAK BILL
40% Ex-Bourbon Cask / 40% New French / 20% Oloroso Sherry