loader from loading.io

Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Chef Dafne Mejia

Bourbon Lens

Release Date: 05/31/2023

279: A Toast to the Story of Blackwood Distilling Co. show art 279: A Toast to the Story of Blackwood Distilling Co.

Bourbon Lens

We sit down with our friend, Zach Johnston, of Blackwood Distilling Co. Zach is currently the Chief Business Officer of International Sales for Blackwood. We discuss Zach’s background in the spirits world, including his time writing for UPROXX and judging spirits competitions. Zach is tasked with growing Blackwood to the next level as they grow their portfolio from ultra-limited edition releases to gain a broader audience in the international market.  We taste through their limited release Toasted Bourbon and Toasted Rye Whiskey, discuss their plans for future releases, and tease some...

info_outline
278: Visiting Limestone Branch Distillery's New Tasting Lodge show art 278: Visiting Limestone Branch Distillery's New Tasting Lodge

Bourbon Lens

Jake travels to Lebanon KY to visit Limestone Branch and see the .  He’s joined by Master Distiller, Stephen Beam, and Stephen Fante, Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch.  They discuss the new facility, the single barrel program, and growing the Yellowstone Whiskey brand.  Don’t miss this episode. 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 to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content,...

info_outline
277: The New Chapter in the History of Templeton Distillery show art 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...

info_outline
276: How Brown-Forman Focuses on Sustainability with a Global Spirits Portfolio show art 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...

info_outline
275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. show art 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...

info_outline
274: What is Your 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...

info_outline
273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement show art 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...

info_outline
272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR show art 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...

info_outline
271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future show art 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...

info_outline
270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa show art 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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Jake & Jake sit down with Dafne Mejia, Private Chef and runner up on Season 21 of Hell’s Kitchen to discuss her passion for cooking, bourbon and much more.  Of course, Jake L. had to talk about his passion for cooking during this episode. Tune into the latest episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast listening app today.

During this podcast, we discuss a story involving a DUI and the impact that can have on one's life.  We ask you to please drink responsibly in your Off Hours.

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

 

About Dafne Mejia

Born in Los Angeles in 1992, Chef Dafne is the daughter of Suyapa and Luis, first generation immigrants from Honduras. Dafne started her career by following the American Dream, seeking to fulfill her parents’ hope for a better life in the land of opportunity. En route to becoming an OBGYN, Dafne attended SFSU where she was a biology major and quickly realized this was not her dream, but the dream of her parents.

From early in her childhood, Dafne’s creativity was what brought her the most joy. As she realized medicine was not her true passion, she made a bold transition and decided to follow her heart to the creative arts. Committed to forging her own destiny, Dafne enrolled in The Art Institute of California - San Francisco where she graduated with an Associates degree of Science in the Culinary Arts. During her education, Dafne started apprenticing under a Certified Master Chef, learning the art of cooking at the highest level for four years.

Moving back to Los Angeles in 2015, Dafne began cooking as a private chef for Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham, a high profile assignment that catapulted her to a Sous Chef level. Following her time as a personal chef, Dafne was soon hired by a fine dining Vietnamese restaurant, allowing her to hone new skills, honor different traditions and discover a new level of respect for the sometime tedious process of cooking.

For most of her culinary career, Dafne’s primary love has been found in Italian cuisine. Her specialty, and most requested dish is born from the craft she’s perfected through more than ten thousand hours of meticulous work: Handmade Corn and Truffle Ravioli. Reminding her of her Latin American roots, Dafne fell in love with the culinary traditions of Italy as she proclaims, both cultures’ cuisines are  “dominated by grandmas”. Following her passion for pasta, Dafne worked under many talented Italian Chefs, who all imparted their own expertise and artistry, ultimately inspiring Dafne to lean on her creativity in the kitchen.

In 2019 Dafne became the Executive Sous Chef at Spring Place, a private membership club in the heart of Beverly Hills. After helping to organize and build the restaurant from the ground up, Chef Dafne (and the rest of the culinary world) was rocked by the arrival of the pandemic. Though not discouraged for long, Chef Dafne was able to shift and once again, re-entered the private chef world.

While working as a private Chef Dafne was able to indulge in new found creativity, playing around with the culinary arts on her social media - creating captivating stories of her pasta making endeavors. It was through this that she began to gain some notoriety, and towards the end of 2021, Dafne was invited to partake in the world renowned cooking show, Hell’s Kitchen.