339: Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald 7 Year and 9 Year Bottled-in-Bond
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down to explore two highly anticipated Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond releases from Heaven Hill Distillery. The featured bourbons include: Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Old Fitzgerald Spring 2025 9 Year Bottled-in-Bond We taste and discuss both expressions, breaking down tasting notes, bottle presentation, and how these latest releases fit into the growing Old Fitzgerald lineup. Special thanks to the team at Heaven Hill for sending us these samples. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on the podcast are entirely our...
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338: Bottled in Memphis: Old Dominick’s Legacy and Innovation
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Canale, Founder of Old Dominick Distillery, and David Valentine, the Memphis Distillery's Head Distiller and Lead Blender. The conversation dives into the revival of a family legacy, Old Dominick’s approach to crafting Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, and the innovation behind their Cask Strength Bourbon, Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whiskey, and new Wheat Whiskey. We explore the history behind the Canale family’s roots in Memphis, the process of rebuilding a once-lost distillery brand, and the unique characteristics...
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337: Mixing It Up with Charles Joly: Summer Cocktails, Bartending Tips, & Crafthouse Cocktails
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott are joined by world-renowned bartender and cocktail pioneer Charles Joly. A James Beard Award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Crafthouse Cocktails, Charles brings decades of experience to the table, from co-creating The Aviary in Chicago to elevating the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail game. We dive into: Cocktail fundamentals for home bartenders Summer cocktail ideas to beat the heat Charles’ thoughts on classic vs. contemporary recipes The story behind Crafthouse Cocktails and their recent launch onboard United Airlines flights Whether...
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336: Sagamore Spirit Maryland Rye and a Bold New Era
Bourbon Lens
Sagamore Spirit Ushers in a New Era with Maryland-Made Rye Whiskey. In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Clint Spotleson, Global Advocacy & Engagement Manager at Sagamore Spirit, to talk all things Maryland Rye. The conversation marks an exciting new phase for the Baltimore-based distillery as it moves forward with its first Maryland-distilled rye whiskeys. We discuss the journey behind Sagamore Spirit’s 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Maryland Rye Whiskey, a bold expression that meets the strict standards of the Bottled in Bond Act and showcases the distillery’s...
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335: Four Branches Honors Service with Heritage-Inspired Bourbons
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Rick Franco, Co-Founder of Four Branches Bourbon, and their newly appointed Strategic Advisor, Master Distiller Gregg Snyder. The conversation explores the brand’s ties to military service, its approach to bourbon, and its expanding product lineup. We dive into Four Branches’ signature Founder's Blend, a complex four grain bourbon, and what sets it apart in the premium whiskey landscape. We also discuss the inspiration and details behind their latest release: The Continental, a limited-edition small batch bourbon created in honor of the...
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334: Inside Maker’s Mark: Legacy, Innovation, and the Creation of Star Hill Farm Whisky
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott take the podcast on the road to Loretto, Kentucky, home of the iconic Maker’s Mark Distillery. Recorded on-site, we sit down with Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller, and Beth Buckner, Lead Blender, to dive deep into the storied past and exciting future of the Maker’s Mark brand. Together, we explore how Maker’s Mark continues to honor its traditional roots while innovating for the next generation. From the introduction of the distillery’s first new mashbills in decades to the debut of Star Hill Farm Whisky, a brand new wheat whiskey,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineDixon Dedman joins the Bourbon Lens podcast for the first time since Episode 59 to discuss his new venture, 2XO (Two Times Oak). We discuss his creative process, his thoughts on current state of the whiskey world, and, of course, the latest release from 2XO - The Innkeeper’s Blend.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.
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.
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Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
About The Innkeeper’s Blend - Icon Series
The Innkeeper’s Blend is the second small batch blend in the brand’s Icon Series. The Innkeeper’s Blend pays homage to the Dedman family’s century-plus history in the hospitality industry, as previous owners of the famed Beaumont Inn on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. The Innkeeper’s Blend mouthfeel is viscous and rich, moving from caramel sweetness on the front, to ripe red fruit in the middle, finishing with a light, peppery spice.
About 2XO
2XO is a new whiskey brand from renowned blender Dixon Dedman. 2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to Dixon’s unique blending process where he re-barrels his hand-selected whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend.
The 2XO brand will consist of a series of limited-time small batch offerings (Icon Series), a series of single barrel releases (Gem of Kentucky Series), and an everyday blend offering (Oak Series). Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bares a distinctive name and symbol inspired by Dixon’s passion to innovate, collaborate, and create high quality whiskeys with unique characteristics and profiles.
The Innkeeper’s Blend will be followed by the third release in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend, the first blend in the Oak Series, American Oak, and the first single barrel, limited time release from the Gem of Kentucky Series.
About Dixon Dedman
Dixon Dedman is a 41-year-old blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl bourbon and rye blends. He grew up on the whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his previously owned James Beard award winning Beaumont Inn. His credentials are unsurpassed among high-end whisky retailers, writers, and collectors. He’s a foodie, a wine connoisseur, runs marathons, and is a sneakerhead who connects with a broad range of drinkers, from millennials to boomers.
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