Libsyn Directory

162: Inside The Bourbon Room at the World Famous Churchill Downs

Release Date: 02/14/2022

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

268: Exploring the Story of North Carolina's Oaklore Distilling Co.

Bourbon Lens

Friends and co-Founders, Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan, join Bourbon Lens in this week’s podcast. We’re talking Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, NC. Tom and Matt started like most whiskey hobbyists do, with tasting nights in their basements and at their bars, but quickly developed their passion into a brand and now distillery. Located in North Carolina, Oaklore is looking to embrace its community as it grows its distilling operation and its distribution footprint through DTC online sales. We tasted their North Carolina Straight Rye and Four Grain Straight Bourbon in...

More Episodes

The world famous Churchill Downs is home to Matt Winn’s Steakhouse and we were invited to a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience inside its jaw-dropping "The Bourbon Room". Tim Knittel is the Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs and has curated a tasting and dining experience for us as we sit down to record at the historic racetrack. We taste through a flight of private selection bourbons from the restaurant’s impressive bourbon inventory. We hope you enjoy this podcast as we discuss history, the Kentucky Bourbon lifestyle, culinary experiences, and more.

Download this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.

About Tim Knittel:

Tim Knittel is the first Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs where he developed the Bourbon program for the new Matt Winn's Steakhouse. He has over 15 years of experience in the Bourbon industry including managing the culinary and VIP hospitality programs at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. In 2016, he founded Distilled Living which provides Bourbon education, tourism and consulting services and is the world's largest combined virtual and in-person Bourbon tastings company. He additionally holds the title of Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies at Midway University where he teaches tourism and hospitality courses with a focus on KY Bourbon tourism. His roles and work have been featured in Maxim, Forbes, Southern Living, American Whiskey Magazine, Good Morning America, NBC News, Washington Post, The Bourbon Review, Wonderlust and, now, Bourbon Lens Podcast.

About Executive Sous Chef Stephen Dunn:

Chef Dunn has a wealth of culinary experience around Louisville where he’s trained at Sullivan University, and prior to Matt Winn’s, has been tapped to head the kitchen in some of Louisville’s top culinary hotspots. Chef Dunn previously lead the kitchen of Equus & Jack's Lounge, The Hub, and Sullivan's Tap House in St. Matthews. He embraces Southern cuisine, bourbon, local ingredients, and Kentucky’s heritage.

About Matt Winn & Matt Winn’s Steakhouse:

Matt Winn attended his first Kentucky Derby, the first Kentucky Derby, in 1875 at the age of 14. Over the next 75 years, he served as a pioneer and innovator of horse racing at the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack and his impact would change the landscape of the Kentucky Derby forever.

Winn’s passion for Churchill Downs is evident in the many traditions that we still hold dear today: the design of the coveted Derby Trophy, the official Mint Julep glass, the garland of roses, the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” during the post parade and the pari-mutuel wagering system just to name a few.

Matt Winn’s Steakhouse pays homage to the legacy of Colonel Winn. Oh, if these walls could talk… Millionaires Row, the fabled Room 20 – Colonel Winn’s private nook, Derby history – rich with lure and tall tales… to new beginnings forging new traditions. Matt Winn started it all. His treasured view is now in your gaze. Take a look around. From the endless veranda to a lap around the handsome bar. Cushy seating, incomparable service, tableside charcuterie and a bourbon selection that is second to none. It’s all in front of you, but don’t worry, we understand, your best bet is the show out the window.

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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

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