280: The Evolution and Growth of Southern Distilling Co.
Bourbon Lens
We’re joined by Pete Barger, co-founder of Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. Pete discusses what led him to founding his distillery. We also explore the growth they’ve experienced, from sourcing whiskey to producing their own spirits, and even becoming one of the largest contract distillers you may have not heard of yet. This is a wide-ranging episode and capped off by some excellent whiskey and great company. If you’re looking for your next grain-to-glass bottle of whiskey, check out Southern Distilling and their Southern Star and Hunting Creek lines of...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn this week's episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens, Jake and Jake sit down with IndyCar and NASCAR race car driver Conor Daly. Conor shares about his love for racing, bourbon, and living in the moment. When you are racing at over 200 MPH, you have to find ways to enjoy the moments in between.
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Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens
About Conor Daly:
Second-generation racer Conor Daly climbed into a kart for the first time at the age of 10; within five years, he was competing in both United States and international open-wheel ladder systems. He found success in each before concentrating solely on American motorsports in 2015. He currently drives the No. 20 BitNile Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing and is entering his fourth season with the team.
Born and raised in nearby Noblesville, Ind., Daly has grown to be a hometown favorite in the Indianapolis 500. The 2021 edition saw him lead the most laps of all drivers and in 2022, he finished a career-best 6th. In 2023, he reached a career milestone as he made his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start early in the season and competed in his 10th Indianapolis 500 on May 28th, 2023 where he finished 8th.
The 30-year-old’s off-track interests are as diverse as his on-track talents. He is no stranger to reality television, having crisscrossed the globe on The Amazing Race and competed on American Ninja Warrior. Daly is a huge supporter of live music and is commonly seen greeting fans in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Snake Pit just hours before the Indy 500. An avid gamer, Daly’s popular Twitch channel features his quick wit and infectious personality. Daly is also an advocate for Type 1 Diabetes, with which he was diagnosed at age 14, and is the only known U.S. professional racing driver who competes full-time with T1D.
Conor also host his own podcast with Joey Mulinaro called Speed Street. You can check it out here!
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.