365: Exploring Old Potrero Rye and Junipero Gin with Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co.
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott welcome Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co., Head Distiller/Blender for Old Potrero, and a longtime friend of the show. The conversation spans two shared passions—gin and rye whiskey—and highlights what makes Old Potrero one of the most distinctive producers in American whiskey. Jake and Scott dive into Kevin’s and Scott’s mutual love of gin, including a discussion of Junipero Gin and its lineup, exploring how botanical balance and unique gin prodction resonates with modern drinkers. The conversation then shifts to Old...
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364: Inside James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Hardin’s Creek with Alex Bowie
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott travel to Clermont, Kentucky to sit down with Alex Bowie, Director of Homeplace Experiences at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. The conversation was recorded on location in Beam’s brand-new podcast studio, with Bourbon Lens receiving early access to the space for an exclusive insider look. While working through a few first-day kinks in the new studio, Jake and Scott explore what makes the Beam Homeplace experience unique and dive into the current and upcoming whiskey innovations coming out of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. Alex...
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363: Jack Daniel’s New Tanyard Hill Rye & Heritage Barrel with Chris Fletcher
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, to discuss several of the most exciting recent and upcoming releases from the historic Tennessee distillery. The conversation covers the debut of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, a new year-round offering built around barrels matured at the distillery’s highest elevations. Chris walks through the unique Heritage Barrel program, how lower barrel entry proof and warehouse placement influence flavor, and why this release...
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362: Inside The Classic Cocktail Revival with Jennifer Brian
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens welcomes Jennifer Brian, "Cocktail Evangelist" and founder of , to discuss her upcoming book, , which released in September 2025 from the University Press of Kentucky. Born in the Bluegrass and shaped by deep family roots in Eastern Kentucky, Jennifer’s earliest memories of hospitality, food traditions, and gracious gatherings laid the foundation for her 25-year career in the hospitality industry. From luxury catering and event planning to becoming a nationally recognized cocktail evangelist, her work centers on collaboration, education, and making cocktails approachable for...
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361: Burnt Tavern Bourbon & William Berkele Distillery
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with members of the team behind Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a new bourbon developed by William Berkele Distillery in collaboration with renowned whiskey maker Chip Tate. Joining the conversation are Bennett Clark, President of William Berkele Distillery, Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, and Chip Tate, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss the origins of Burnt Tavern Bourbon, the historical inspiration behind the brand, and how William Berkele Distillery is bringing a centuries-old story into the modern whiskey landscape. The episode...
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360: Inside the Estate Whiskey Alliance at UK's Beam Institute
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens heads to Lexington, Kentucky for an on-location episode at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, located at the University of Kentucky. We sit down with Alexa Narel, Operations Manager for the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Landon Borders, Director, to explore how the Alliance is reshaping the future of whiskey grain, sustainability, and transparency. The Estate Whiskey Alliance (EWA) brings together farmers, distillers, researchers, and industry partners to develop scientifically backed standards for estate-grown whiskey. Alexa and Landon break down what “estate...
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359: Field of Dreams Whiskey - Baseball, Bourbon, and Blending History
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Field of Dreams Whiskey Co-founders Andy Keller and Drew Storen, former Major League Baseball pitcher, to talk about how their shared passion for the game and great whiskey turned into one of the most unique whiskey projects in America. The conversation dives into the origin story of Field of Dreams Whiskey, Drew’s journey through the Major Leagues, and what life looks like after baseball. Andy and Drew share how the spirit of teamwork, community, and nostalgia behind Field of Dreams continues to inspire their approach to whiskey...
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358: Southern Distilling’s Pete Barger on American Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott welcome back Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company and Statesville Contract Distilling, for an in-depth conversation about the growth and innovation happening in North Carolina whiskey. Pete shares insights into the distillery’s world-class production operations and how Southern Distilling has positioned itself as one of the largest producers of American Whiskey in the Southeast. The discussion dives into two standout whiskeys from their portfolio — Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey and Southern Star Bottled...
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357: Showcasing Westland Garryana 10th Edition American Single Malt
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott sit down with Shane Armstrong of Westland Distillery to explore the growing American Single Malt movement. Westland has helped pioneer the category through innovation, transparency, and a true sense of place in the Pacific Northwest. The conversation centers on the release of Garryana 10th edition, Westland’s acclaimed limited-edition Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged a full 10 years, this special release represents the apex of the Garryana story, showcasing the unique influence of Quercus garryana, the rare native oak of the Pacific Northwest. Shane discusses...
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356: Three Chord Bourbon Volume 2, Vinyl Revival, & Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is joined by Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker for Three Chord Bourbon, to talk about the brand’s newly released Volume 2 Series — a refreshed lineup featuring bold new blends, labels, and a creative direction deeply rooted in music culture. The Volume 2 collection introduces redesigned packaging that draws inspiration from classic vinyl records and live concert photography, reinforcing Three Chord’s connection between the worlds of whiskey and rock-and-roll. Ari shares the creative process behind these new blends and how the brand continues to evolve its identity through both...
info_outlineWe’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Whiskey all week and we are kicking it off with J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey. We are joined by Louise McGuane, Founder and Whiskey Bonder of J.J. Corry. You’ll learn a little history of Irish Whiskey, Louise’s efforts to revive the practice of Whiskey Bonding, and J.J. Corry’s extensive whiskey and barrel inventory for future releases. And, as a bonus for our Kentucky Bourbon fans, we taste through the latest release from Kentucky Owl. Kentucky Owl and Louise teamed up to blend a unique Kentucky Bourbon for their St. Patrick’s Limited Edition.
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 TheBourbonLens@Gmail.com.
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
About J.J. Corry
J.J. Corry is Ireland's first modern Whiskey Bonder. As a Bonder, J.J. Corry sources new make spirit and mature Irish Whiskey, to age, finish and blend on the McGuane family farm on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Founded by Louise McGuane in 2017, J.J. Corry has a multi-award winning portfolio of small batch expressions.
J.J. Corry Facts
Irish Whiskey is currently in a renaissance period, after a long recovery following the industry's collapse in the 1930s. It was the world’s fastest-growing spirits category over the past decade.
As a Bonder, J.J. Corry does not distill. Founder, Louise McGuane sources new make and mature spirit from all over Ireland to mature in casks she acquires directly from distilleries, wineries, breweries and bodegas around the world.
A cult favourite amongst Irish Whiskey fans in Europe, J.J. Corry is recently distributed across the US and is looking to reach new consumers.
J.J. Corry has the most comprehensive library of Irish Whiskey flavors in existence and Louise is a curator of casks, and archivist of the depth and breadth of Irish Whiskey today.
Bonding used to be commonplace in Ireland, but the practice died out in the 1930s when the Irish Whiskey industry collapsed. Louise McGuane revived this piece of Irish Whiskey history and is now Ireland's only Whiskey Bonder.
About J.J. Corry Whiskey Lineup:
The Gael -We released Batch No.3 of our award winning flagship blend, The Gael in 2021.
A blend of Malt and Grain Whiskey, Gael is the perfect marriage of Irish Whiskey flavours. Comprised of some of the oldest whiskeys in our library of flavours, The Gael is the perfect representation of our fruit bomb house style with layers of complexity.
The Hanson - Our signature Grain Blend, The Hanson is sweet and fruit forward with bright citrus, vanilla and deep oak notes. Created by founder Louise McGuane with refreshing cocktails in mind, this bright and slightly spicy whiskey shines through in a highball, but is also delicious sipped by itself or with ice.
About Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey is currently in a renaissance period, after a long recovery following the industry's collapse in the 1930s. It was the world’s fastest-growing spirits category over the past decade. Irish Whiskey is known and loved for it's milder flavor profile than that of its Scotch neighbors. Irish Whiskey is typically unpeated, with consumers drawn to its bright, fruit forward and accessible flavours.
Show Links:
- J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey
- Louise McGuane: Ireland's First Modern Whiskey Bonder - Whisky Advocate
- By Tradition The Irish Whiskey Industry Has Been All Male. . . Until Louise McGuane Founded Her Own Brand
- Louise McGuane - Whiskies of the World
- The (nearly) Lost Art of Irish Whiskey Bonding | IrishSpirit
- Buy J.J. Corry Online
- Stoli Group Kentucky Owl Releases St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey - BevNET.com
- Review: Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey – Robb Report
- High spirits before whiskey's US launch | Ireland | The Sunday Times
- Kentucky Owl
- Kentucky Owl St. Patrick's Limited Edition Bourbon Review - Paste
- Kentucky Owl 2022 St. Patrick's Edition | WhiskyCast
- 4 Delicious Irish Whiskey Cocktails To Celebrate St. Paddy's Day | Man of Many