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...
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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_outlineClinton Dugan, co-founder of Shortbarrel, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about Shortbarrel and their journey from barrel-picking group, to non-distilling producer, to distillery. This is a unique look at the evolution of a brand in the whiskey world.
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.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].
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 Shortbarrel
What started as a small group in barrel picking group 2016, the Shortbarrel name has become a staple on the shelves of home bars- assigned only to the barrels that meet our group’s high standards. We welcome you to our club and hope you appreciate as much as we do that no two barrels will be the same. Cheers to high standards and great friends.
A “shortbarrel” is a barrel that, upon bottling, has lost over 50% of its contents to angel’s share. Due to higher contact with air and oak, the whiskey inside ages differently, developing in a unique and powerful way.
The select few bottles that come from it tell a story of withstanding aging, evaporation, and ever changing climate.
Fun Fact: Our brand name isn’t because of this and no we don’t only use “Shortbarrels.” Adam is indeed the reason we are called Shortbarrel. Ask him about it in person, there is no reason to talk about someone's height online!
In 2023, we acquired Atlanta’s first distillery, Old Fourth Distillery. We are very excited about the future of whiskey in Atlanta and beyond.
Visit Us at: 6325 McDonough Dr. NW, Norcross GA 30093. BY APPOINTMENT AND INVITATION ONLY.
About Co-Founder Clinton Dugan
Originally from Ohio, Clinton moved to Atlanta in 2012. He likes to tell the story about how he met a stranger on Facebook in a parking lot and they became friends. No that was not his wife, Amber, that was indeed Adam in 2013. Clinton got his start collecting bourbon in 2014 when his now-wife Amber thought a bottle of Willett looked “cool” on a trip to Costco. I mean who doesn’t think a Willett Pot Still bottle isn’t cool?
Clinton joined Adam in Shortbarrel picking barrels in 2017 and it amplified everything bourbon. If you ever meet him in real life, ask him about his first Shortbarrel trip and the infamous Nacho beer.
Clinton’s passion for bourbon extends well beyond this collection at home. Clinton is normally the person you’re talking to on social media behind the scenes at Shortbarrel. His passions are all things digital marketing, and with over 15 years of digital marketing knowledge, he brings that skillset to Shortbarrel.
When he is not talking about bourbon, you can find Clinton grilling, golfing or hanging with his beautiful family, Amber and Audrey. Can’t forget his two Goldendooles, Arnold and Rocky too!