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...
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329: Exploring 3 Unique New Tequila Cask-Finished Whiskeys
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott dive into the . The conversation highlights three standout new bottles: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Tequila Cask Finish, Blood Oath Pact 11, and Woodinville Tequila Finished Bourbon. It's the perfect podcast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The hosts explore how finishing bourbon in tequila barrels affects aroma, flavor, and overall complexity—bringing out vibrant citrus, vegetal agave notes, and a unique sweetness not typically found in traditional bourbon and rye. They also discuss the influence American Whiskey has...
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328: Blood Oath Pact 11 and Lux Row's Journey with John Rempe
Bourbon Lens
In our latest episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake travels to Bardstown to sit down with John Rempe, Master Distiller of Lux Row. During the interview the distillery was electric as their Front Row members were awaiting some of the first sips of the new . Our conversation centered around the new bourbon finished in anejo Tequila barrels. However, there is a lot happening at the distillery as they continue to become a household name across the world. Sit back and buckle in for the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens. We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must...
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327: A Conversation with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Craft Spirits
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey. The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits Tripp unpacks what sets Barrell apart in a crowded whiskey market, especially its blender-first approach to crafting high-quality, small batch and single barrel releases. Listeners will get an insider’s view of how Barrell sources and blends its whiskey,...
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326: Crafting a Unique Whiskey Blend at J. Mattingly 1845
Bourbon Lens
In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast. A special thanks goes out to Amy Preske for arranging this memorable day, and to Dakota and the entire J. Mattingly team for the warm hospitality and deep knowledge of bourbon blending. The episode also touches on the recent severe weather in Kentucky, including destructive tornadoes, historic flooding, and other storms that have deeply...
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325: Building The MACKLOWE Whiskey Brand with Julie Macklowe
Bourbon Lens
In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits apart in the world of whiskey. Julie shares her insights on building a successful whiskey brand, her deep passion for high-quality spirits, and how The MACKLOWE stands out in an increasingly competitive market. They also dive into the current state...
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324: Augusta Distillery and Its Future with Master Distiller Alex Castle
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Augusta Distillery’s master distiller, Alex Castle. Alex shares the story of her journey to Augusta after her time at Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her transition and the innovative direction she's taking Augusta Distillery. During the conversation, we dive into Augusta's approach to sourced whiskey, their unique commitment to producing single cask and cask strength bourbons, and the philosophy that drives their craft. Alex also shares insights into their future plans as...
info_outlineOur 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.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.
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, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.
Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at [email protected].
Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.
Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens
About Templeton:
Templeton Rye Whiskey tracks back to the early 1920s when residents of the small town of Templeton, Iowa distilled a much sought-after rye whiskey. That bootlegging enterprise, forced underground during the Prohibition era, nonetheless flourished during that period and the famous “Templeton Rye” becoming legendary. When prohibition ended, Templeton was a legend lost to history until it was re-introduced in 2006 as an independent bottler brand. The Templeton Rye whiskey portfolio which contains a 4 year old, 6 year old, 10 Year Single Barrel, and limited Cask Finish releases remains inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the original bootleggers.
On August 7, 2018, Templeton Rye Spirits, LLC marked the beginning of a new chapter, highlighting a rich history with the community they call home with the opening of a 34,500 square-foot distillery, visitor center and museum in Templeton, Iowa. A $35 million project and a significant investment in the community of Templeton. A milestone date that would allow the Templeton brand to control its own destiny in relation to distillation, fermentation, and maturation.
About Templeton Fortitude Straight Bourbon
- Style: Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Proof: 92 (46% ABV)
- Mash Bill: 55% Corn, 40% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
- Locally Sourced Iowa Corn: Within 15 Miles of Templeton Distillery
- Age: Non-Aged Stated (4+ Years Old)
- Aged in American Oak Virgin Barrels / Char Level 4
- Natural Color and Non-Chill Filtered
- Distilled at Templeton Distillery, Templeton, Iowa
- Column and Copper Stills from Forsyths
- Fermentation time : 3-4 Days
- Yeast Strain: Fermentis Safspirit
- Availability: Launching in the USA market and select international markets in May 2024.
Templeton FORTITUDE Bourbon introduced in 2024 marked the first distillate release out of the Templeton Distillery as the brand continues to evolve from an independent bottler to a distiller. Over the coming years, Templeton will continue to play in both the independent bottler and the distilling world which will allow the brand to push the boundaries of innovation by releasing exciting additions from both our extensive sourced barrel stocks and owned distillate out of Templeton Distillery.
Templeton whiskey portfolio is now exported to 75 international markets outside of North America.
Distillery Snapshot:
- 2 x 55,000 square-foot barrel aging warehouse that can store up to 54,000 barrels
- Located on 20-acres of land just east of downtown Templeton
- Produces up to 500,000 proof gallons of rye whiskey annually
- Capability to produce all styles of American whiskey under one roof
- Features stills imported from Forsyth’s in Scotland to produce the highest quality spirits
- Includes museum, visitor center and tasting room
About Shane Fitzharris, Senior VP, Commercial Infinium Spirits :
Shane joined our organization in 2018 as head of International Sales for Templeton Distillery and transitioned into Infinium Spirits in 2020 taking up the role of Sr. VP, Commercial, where he has successfully elevated our product portfolio to over 70 countries. Shane has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry holding senior commercial roles. Prior to joining Infinium, Shane built the Walsh Whiskey business with its founders culminating in opening a $40 million distillery with a global footprint of 90 Countries. He created and launched several new brands including Writers Tears and The Irishman Whiskey portfolio. Shane’s positive attitude, strong leadership, and relentless dedication to Infinium and our team will help drive our success as we continue to build our brand family.