278: Visiting Limestone Branch Distillery's New Tasting Lodge
Bourbon Lens
Jake travels to Lebanon KY to visit Limestone Branch and see the . He’s joined by Master Distiller, Stephen Beam, and Stephen Fante, Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch. They discuss the new facility, the single barrel program, and growing the Yellowstone Whiskey brand. Don’t miss this episode. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content,...
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277: The New Chapter in the History of Templeton Distillery
Bourbon Lens
Our guest today is Shane Fitzharris for Templeton Distillery in Iowa. Shane is the Senior VP for Commercial for Infinium Spirits, owner of the Templeton Distillery and brands. We discuss the next chapter in Templeton’s history as they recently released their first spirit distilled in-house; Fortitude Straight Iowa Bourbon. We discuss the history of the brand, their revival of the brand, and how they sourced a very popular Rye Whiskey to grow their brand to be in a position to distill and release their own distilled spirits. We are thankful for your support over the...
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276: How Brown-Forman Focuses on Sustainability with a Global Spirits Portfolio
Bourbon Lens
Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability. With responsibility over the company’s diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas within the supply chain and beyond where they can implement green initiatives. Brown-Forman (home to iconic brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Old Forester, Tequila Herradura, and Woodford Reserve) is working on making...
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275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
Bourbon Lens
Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in . Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys. Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take...
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274: What is Your "Special Occasion" Bourbon?
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott are talking about bourbons that are perfect for special occasions. As we head into Derby season here in the Bluegrass State and the upcoming Kentucky Derby 150, we couldn't help but think that it would be a perfect event to crack open some special bottles. We discuss some advice on finding a special bottle to celebrate an occasion, event, or a special person. The best part is, a special occasion pour doesn’t always have to be priceless or unobtainable. Some of the best choices might be right under our noses. What’s one bottle that you are saving...
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273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey. These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year. How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt? Find out in today's episode! The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The expressions are the latest in the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions launched in 2021 to honor the brand’s whiskey-making...
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272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR
Bourbon Lens
The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond. We discuss the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch, the importance of sponsors in the sport, and how Kyle exemplifies the Rebel Spirit. Master Distiller John Rempe talks about his work at Lux Row Distillers, production of the Rebel...
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271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future
Bourbon Lens
Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky. Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse. We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his goals for the brand in the future. Check out this week’s insightful episode featuring Green River Distilling Co. For more details on Green River Rye Whiskey, check out the release info on . We are thankful for your support over the...
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270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa
Bourbon Lens
We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery. Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode. We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Double Barrel Bourbon. We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time...
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269: A Look Inside the New “Whiskey House” with its Founders
Bourbon Lens
We’re on location at Whiskey House with two of its co-founders, David Mandell and John Hargrove. Located in Elizabethtown Kentucky, Whiskey House is heading into the final stages of construction and plans to be the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. We learn about their plans to satisfy a unique need in the whiskey world and potentially disrupt the current sourced whiskey market. Whiskey House’s sole focus is their customers and, in that vein, this facility will not be open to the public. The Whiskey House will...
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