327: A Conversation with Tripp Stimson of Barrell Craft Spirits
Release Date: 04/20/2025
343: Frey Ranch Distillery's New Five Grain Bourbon
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Colby and Ashley Frey, the husband-and-wife duo behind Frey Ranch Distillery in Fallon, Nevada. We dive into what it takes to operate a true farm distillery in a relatively remote part of the state, and the unique challenges—and rewards—that come with growing, harvesting, and distilling all of their own grain. Colby and Ashley share the journey of building Frey Ranch into one of America’s most respected grain-to-glass operations, and how their rural location has shaped their approach to whiskey-making. From weather and farming...
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342: Sizzling New Whiskey Releases of Summer 2025
Bourbon Lens
This week on Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive into the wave of exciting whiskey releases that have dropped during the summer of 2025. From heritage distilleries to rising craft brands, the whiskey and bourbon world has been anything but quiet. We kick things off with Starlight Distillery’s milestone 10-Year Bourbon, their oldest bourbon release to date and a major step forward for the Indiana distillery. Then, we explore Bardstown Bourbon Company's Hokkaido Release, a limited-edition Japanese oak-finished bourbon that showcases the brand's continued innovation and global partnerships. We...
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341: Introducing Bourbon Community Pick #1 from High Bank Distillery
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Community Pick #1: Whiskey War Barrel Select with High Bank Distillery Goes On Sale Monday, August 4th. In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott unveil Bourbon Community Pick #1, a special collaboration featuring Whiskey War Barrel Select from High Bank Distillery. This unique bottling marks the launch of an exciting new series of community barrel picks curated by Bourbon Lens and fellow whiskey creators. This first release is a Cask Strength Double Oaked Bourbon, finished in a French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon cask and bottled at 116.56 proof. With a total age of 6.5...
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340: Wild Turkey 101: Revisiting a Classic & Tasting the New 8 Year Release
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott take a deep dive into one of the most iconic bottles in American whiskey: Wild Turkey 101. From its long-standing role as a go-to everyday bourbon to the newly released Wild Turkey 101 8 Year, we explore what makes this brand a staple in bourbon culture. We compare the standard Wild Turkey 101 to the newly age-stated 8 Year release, now available in the United States after previously being an international-only offering. You’ll hear our tasting notes, thoughts on value, and how this release fits into the Wild Turkey lineup. Learn More: Check...
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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,...
info_outlineIn 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, and how its team maintains consistency and creativity across each unique release.
Addressing the Rumors
Jake and Tripp also dive into some of the rumors surrounding Barrell Craft Spirits, including its long-term plans in the bourbon world.
Spotlight on New Releases: Foundation and Toasted Vantage
This episode also covers Barrell's exciting Double Barrel Foundation Release, a core expression of the brand’s identity, as well as the Toasted Vantage Limited Release. Tripp shares how these expressions were conceptualized and what makes them special additions to the Barrell portfolio.
Whether you're a whiskey nerd, collector, or new to the category, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the most respected names in American craft whiskey.
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Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens