Libsyn Directory

214: Diversity & Inclusion in Bourbon: Roundtable Discussion

Release Date: 02/20/2023

333: Inside Independent Bottling: Jason Johnstone-Yellin of Single Cask Nation

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...

332: Celebrating 10 Years of Frey Ranch with the Harvester Series

Bourbon 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...

331: RD1 Distillery Has A New Brand Home

Bourbon 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...

330: Unpacking Joseph Magnus with Master Blender Nancy Fraley and CEO Ali Anderson

Bourbon 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...

329: Exploring 3 Unique New Tequila Cask-Finished Whiskeys

Bourbon 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...

328: Blood Oath Pact 11 and Lux Row's Journey with John Rempe

Bourbon 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...

327: A Conversation with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Craft Spirits

Bourbon 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,...

326: Crafting a Unique Whiskey Blend at J. Mattingly 1845

Bourbon 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...

325: Building The MACKLOWE Whiskey Brand with Julie Macklowe

Bourbon 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...

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...

More Episodes

Bourbon Lens is excited to play host to a roundtable discussion featuring three organizations aimed at making bourbon accessible for all. We are joined by the Founders of Bourbon Women, Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, and BIG Bourbon Club. Join us as we discuss some important topics as we seek to pull back the red velvet rope of the Bourbon Industry to ensure everyone feels welcome sharing a pour of America’s Native Spirit.

About the Panelists:

Peggy Noe Stevens - Founder of Bourbon Women Association

Peggy is a woman of many firsts. She founded PNSA and The Bourbon Women Association. She is the first woman in the world to receive the title of Master Bourbon Taster. Formerly of Brown-Forman, Peggy was their Global Event Planner for iconic brands such as Woodford Reserve. She brings her decades of experiential marketing and professional presence development to PNSA designing and building brand architecture for places and people. In 2019 Peggy was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame by the Kentucky Distillers Association and in 2020 she was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
To follow Peggy, check out: PeggyNoeStevens.com.

Robert Beatty - Founder of Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild

Robert Beatty is the founder of KBBG and a local Lexingtonian entrepreneur. During a summer 2018 tour that Mr. Beatty conducted to three distilleries and a museum in Bardstown KY, the conversation arose about African American and multicultural influence in the industry pre-prohibition. Through many conversations with industry gurus, history buffs and other bourbon societies, the decision was made to form an organization that will educate minority consumers about the spirit and properly acknowledge all of the ethnic groups that contributed to the robust industry it is today.
For more info on the KBBG, head to the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild website.

Steve Higdon - Founder of BIG Bourbon Club

Steve is the Founder of BIG Bourbon Club, which was created as a spinoff his wildly successful TikTok account, Uncle Steve (@60secondbourbonreview) | TikTok. According to BIG Bourbon Club, the club will serve as your passport to the world of bourbon. The club seeks to expand the universe of bourbon lovers by giving access to bourbon how to’s, history, the personalities, barrel picks, distillery tours, tastings, and much more. Through their app, they have created the first virtual Bourbon Club where you can access everything, regardless of where you live. They aim to bring the world of bourbon to EVERYONE. EVERYONE is welcome. Bourbon should not be exclusive.
For more info on Steve, his explosive growth on TikTok, and BIG Bourbon, check out this feature on VinePair.com: ‘Uncle’ Steve Higdon: The Boomer Taking Over Bourbon TikTok.

Diversity and Inclusion in Bourbon Media Coverage:

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