Libsyn Directory

214: Diversity & Inclusion in Bourbon: Roundtable Discussion

Release Date: 02/20/2023

310: Exploring Compass Box Whisky's New Core Collection

Bourbon Lens

In this new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we welcome Racheal Vaughan Jones, Marketing Director at Compass Box Whisky. Racheal shares her journey from working with global drinks brands like Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky to helping shape the direction of Compass Box, one of the most innovative independent Scotch whisky makers in the world. As the driving force behind Compass Box’s recent initiatives, including the launch of their new Core Collection and the Long Live Interesting campaign, Racheal provides an inside look at what makes this brand stand out in the crowded world of Scotch....

309: Gabriel Macht Talks Bear Fight Whiskey, Acting, and His Love for Whiskey

Bourbon Lens

In this exciting new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we’re joined by actor Gabriel Macht! Known for his iconic role as Harvey Specter on the hit TV show Suits, Gabriel opens up about his latest venture into the world of whiskey as an investor and partner in Bear Fight Whiskey. During this conversation, Gabriel dives deep into his love for fine spirits, the entrepreneurial side of the whiskey industry, and how he found a perfect match with Bear Fight Whiskey. He also reflects on his career in Hollywood, the lasting impact of Suits, and what it’s like to balance acting with his...

308: True Story Whiskey with Wes Henderson: A New Chapter in the Henderson Family Legacy

Bourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we’re joined by Wes Henderson, the co-founder of Angel’s Envy, as he talks about his exciting new brand, True Story. Wes takes us on a journey through the creation of this new venture, offering insights into the inspiration behind the brand and what sets True Story apart in the world of whiskey. We also dive into two new whiskies from the True Story lineup: Wes shares how True Story marks a new chapter in the Henderson family’s distilling history, reflecting both his personal journey and the family’s commitment to crafting...

307: Blanton’s Bourbon Super Fan Dominic Guglielmi and His New Book

Bourbon Lens

In the newest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Guglielmi, a Blanton’s Bourbon super fan and author of the new book Warehouse H: The Story of Blanton’s Bourbon, America's Most Influential Whiskey. We dive deep into the history of Blanton’s, its role in shaping the modern bourbon landscape, and the stories from Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Whether you're a die-hard bourbon aficionado or a casual fan, this episode is a must-listen! We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the biggest shoutout to our amazing community of...

306: Kaveh Zamanian of Rabbit Hole Distillery Talks Innovation and New Role at Pernod Ricard

Bourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Kaveh Zamanian, the founder and former CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, to discuss his journey in the whiskey world, the evolution of Rabbit Hole, and his new role within the spirits industry. Kaveh and Jake also talk about the new Founder’s Collection – 8-Year-Old Boxergrail Rye Whiskey from Rabbit Hole. We also dive deep into Kaveh’s exciting new chapter at Pernod Ricard as he transitions into his role as Chief Operating Officer and Head of North American Distillers. This role brings a significant opportunity to impact the...

305: Benromach's Unique Speyside Scotch Whisky with Keith Cruickshank

Bourbon Lens

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, we dive deep into the world of Benromach, one of Scotland's most celebrated distilleries. We’re joined by Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who walks us through the rich history and what make their subtly smoky Speyside whiskies stand out. We’re honored to taste through their impressive portfolio, including their rare and limited-release 50-Year-Old Scotch, a truly exceptional and costly expression that showcases the artistry and dedication behind Benromach’s craft. Keith shares insights into the distillery’s commitment to...

304: Fawn Weaver on Her New Book, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and Honoring Nathan Green

Bourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Fawn Weaver, the trailblazing founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn takes us on a journey through her remarkable story—how she discovered the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller, and how she turned that discovery into the globally recognized whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest. Fawn also shares insights into her newly released book, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest, which...

303: A Deep Dive with Ross Cornelissen, Master Distiller of 1792 Bourbon

Bourbon Lens

This week, we’re talking about Barton 1792 Distillery and 1792 Bourbon. Master Distiller Ross Cornelissen joins Bourbon Lens to talk about the workhouse bourbon distillery. Barton 1792 is a historic distillery in the Bourbon Capital of the World and owned by Sazerac Company. We discuss three limited releases from Barton 1792, including Sweet Wheat, Aged Twelve Years, and Thomas S. Moore Port Cask Finished Bourbon. 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...

302: Sitting Down with Dierks Bentley and His New ROW 94 Whiskey

Bourbon Lens

We’re joined by multi-Platinum country music artist, Dierks Bentley, in this special episode of Bourbon Lens. Dierks recently wrapped up his Gravel & Gold Tour and is firmly planted back in Nashville preparing for his next album. We had the privilege to sit down with Dierks to talk about his newest project, Row 94 Whiskey. Row 94 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled at the historic Green River Distilling Company. Dierks aims for Row 94 to be the bourbon you reach for when you’re enjoying a night with friends, listening to live music, or pouring a whiskey...

301: Restoration and History with Cook’s Mill Whiskey Founder Jason Queen

Bourbon Lens

On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach we crossed paths with Jason Queen as he was working to promote his bourbon in South Carolina. Jason shared a bit of history with us and a whiskey too. That chance meeting and conversation inspired this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast. Jason, a serial entrepreneur and conservationist purchased Cook’s Mill, an old grist mill in order to restore this once thriving mill. That goal set him on a path to creating a whiskey that is focused paying homage to North Carolina’s past. Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the...

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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