Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Jason Johnstone-Yellin, co-founder of Single Cask Nation, to explore the world of independent bottling. Jason shares the story behind the brand, the art of selecting unique casks, and how Single Cask Nation builds transparency and trust with its community of whisky lovers. From Scotch to American Whiskey and beyond, Jason discusses how Single Cask Nation navigates the global spirits market, cultivates relationships with distilleries, and continues to push the boundaries of what independent bottlers can offer. Whether you’re a...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott raise a glass to Frey Ranch Distillery as they unveil the 10th Anniversary Harvester Series. The duo dives into the history of Frey Ranch, explores the innovation behind this milestone release, and shares stories from years of collaboration and friendship with the Frey Ranch team. Listeners will get an inside look at what makes Frey Ranch’s grain-to-glass approach so unique, how the Harvester Series stands out in the market, and why this Nevada-based distillery continues to be a fan favorite in the American whiskey...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
Jake travels down 1-64 to Lexington to see the new RD1 Distillery Brand Home. While there, he sits down with co-founder and National Brand Ambassador Barry Brinegar. Sit back and buckle into the latest episode of the bourbon lens. 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 you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with one of the original ultra premium bourbons: Joseph A Magnus. We are joined by CEO of Craft Co Ali Anderson and world renowned blender Nancy Fraley. You won’t want to miss this episode as we unpack the history of Joseph Magnus, Murray Hill Club and the original Cigar Blend. 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...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott dive into the . The conversation highlights three standout new bottles: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Tequila Cask Finish, Blood Oath Pact 11, and Woodinville Tequila Finished Bourbon. It's the perfect podcast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The hosts explore how finishing bourbon in tequila barrels affects aroma, flavor, and overall complexity—bringing out vibrant citrus, vegetal agave notes, and a unique sweetness not typically found in traditional bourbon and rye. They also discuss the influence American Whiskey has...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In our latest episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake travels to Bardstown to sit down with John Rempe, Master Distiller of Lux Row. During the interview the distillery was electric as their Front Row members were awaiting some of the first sips of the new . Our conversation centered around the new bourbon finished in anejo Tequila barrels. However, there is a lot happening at the distillery as they continue to become a household name across the world. Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey. The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits Tripp unpacks what sets Barrell apart in a crowded whiskey market, especially its blender-first approach to crafting high-quality, small batch and single barrel releases. Listeners will get an insider’s view of how Barrell sources and blends its whiskey,...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast. A special thanks goes out to Amy Preske for arranging this memorable day, and to Dakota and the entire J. Mattingly team for the warm hospitality and deep knowledge of bourbon blending. The episode also touches on the recent severe weather in Kentucky, including destructive tornadoes, historic flooding, and other storms that have deeply...
info_outlineBourbon Lens
In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits apart in the world of whiskey. Julie shares her insights on building a successful whiskey brand, her deep passion for high-quality spirits, and how The MACKLOWE stands out in an increasingly competitive market. They also dive into the current state...
info_outlineBourbon 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_outlineBlue Run has experienced a lot of growth and success in the time since we last spoke with them on Episode 115. Their recognizable bottle and butterfly branding has helped propel their premium whiskies to the top shelf of many enthusiasts' bars. We catch up with Mike Montgomery and one of their newest team members, Shaylyn Gammon, to discuss the brand’s current position in the market and how they expect to continue to push the premium American Whiskey world.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.
This episode of the Bourbon Lens is brought to you by MANSCAPED™, who is proving themselves to be the best in men’s below-the-waist grooming. Their products are precision-engineered tools and are designed specifically for maintaining and taking care of your family jewels. MANSCAPED’s™ Performance Package the ultimate men's hygiene bundle and what we recommend to our followers! Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BOURBONLENS at MANSCAPED.com. That’s 20% off with free shipping at www.MANSCAPED.com and use code BOURBONLENS. Unlock your confidence and always use the right tools for the job with MANSCAPED™.
We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes 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 and Jake
Bourbon Lens
Show Links:
- Use Code: BOURBONLENS for 20% off and free shipping at MANSCAPED (Sponsored)
- Blue Run Spirits
- Bourbon Lens Episode 115: Blue Run Spirits - Tapping A Legend of the Bourbon World
- This mom-to-be helped create the Best American Whiskey of 2021 without ever trying it
ABOUT MIKE MONTGOMERY
Mike Montgomery is cofounder and CEO of Blue Run Spirits. Mike has spent the last few decades in public affairs consulting after working with California-based elected officials. Prior to his time in politics, he worked with the U.S. Canoe & Kayak team in Lake Placid, NY. He is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. Mike and his wife and daughter reside in Los Angeles.
ABOUT SHAYLYN GAMMON
Blue Run Spirits recently announced the hiring of Shaylyn Gammon as its first Whiskey Director. Gammon will drive the development and expansion of Blue Run’s whiskey portfolio.
Gammon joins Blue Run Spirits from Campari Group, where she managed product innovation projects across the company’s North American portfolio. Based in Kentucky, she worked closely with the Bourbon Hall of Fame duo of Jimmy and Eddie Russell on Wild Turkey whiskies, in particular brand extensions such as Master’s Keep, Rare Breed, Russell’s Reserve and Matthew McConaughey’s Longbranch.
Gammon’s work with the Russell’s has been widely lauded. Most recently, Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon was named the “Best American Whiskey of 2021” by world-renowned spirits critic and bourbon authority Fred Minnick. Double Gold Medal wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition include Longbranch, Rare Breed Rye, and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye, which was also a finalist for Rye Whiskey of the Year at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
As Blue Run’s Whiskey Director, Gammon will work with the Blue Run team on the selection of sourced barrels for the company’s bourbon and rye releases, prepare the company’s private barrel selection program, and serve as a distillation apprentice to Blue Run Liquid Advisor Jim Rutledge. She will also work closely with the Blue Run team to strengthen and grow its comprehensive, long-term product and innovation strategy, tapping into her years of experience as a research and development scientist, and, of course, a huge whiskey fan.
In addition to Campari Group, Gammon’s experience includes AmeriQual Foods, YUM! Brands and Land O’Frost. She is a member of the Bourbon Women Association; Women of the Vine and Spirits; and Louisville Women Leaders and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky in food science.
ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS
Blue Run Spirits was started in October 2020 and has since created seven whiskey releases – several with separate expressions in a single release, such as the recent 12 Days of Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon this past December.
The company’s releases have sold out in mere minutes and have received many accolades, including Blue Run 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon, which was awarded top honors at the prestigious 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition winning Best Small Batch Bourbon – 11 Years & Older, along with a Double Gold Medal. The company’s spring 2021 release, Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, was awarded Best Single Barrel Bourbon – 11 Years & Older, as well as a Double Gold Medal. Blue Run Kentucky Straight Golden Rye Whiskey was awarded a Gold Medal.
Find Blue Run Spirits online at www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker. The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind Wild Turkey and the Aperol Spritz; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY.