348: Exploring Four Roses 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive into the highly anticipated Four Roses 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch release. Bottled at barrel strength and showcasing some of Four Roses’ most unique recipes, this year’s Limited Edition is built around two 13-year-old V batches, said to deliver notes of apricot, vanilla, and caramel. According to Four Roses, the blend is elevated by the addition of a 19-year-old OESV and OBSK, bringing layers of antique oak, rye spice, and remarkable depth for a truly balanced and complex flavor profile. At 109 proof, the 2025 Limited Edition Small...
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347: 7 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon - Heaven Hill vs. Old Grand-Dad
Bourbon Lens
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with a special Bottled-in-Bond showdown! In this episode, Jake and Scott sit down to compare two 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbons: Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Year and Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bonded Bourbon from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. The discussion highlights the return of age statements, the value and history of the Bottled-in-Bond designation, and what these expressions mean for today’s bourbon drinker. Along the way, Jake and Scott dive into the significance of Bourbon Heritage Month and discuss exciting events like the Kentucky Bourbon Festival...
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346: It's Bourbon Heritage Month With KDA President Eric Gregory
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), to officially kick off Bourbon Heritage Month. Eric shares insights on the current state of the Bourbon industry, the exciting events planned throughout September, and the continued growth and global reach of Kentucky Bourbon. From economic impact to tourism, and from heritage to innovation, this conversation explores why Bourbon remains not only Kentucky’s signature industry but also America’s native spirit. Whether you’re a long-time Bourbon enthusiast or new to...
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345: Exploring the Trio of First West Bourbons by 15 STARS
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with Rick and Ricky Johnson, the father-son duo behind 15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon. Known for their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, the Johnsons share how 15 STARS has grown its portfolio with three standout releases: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The conversation dives into the story behind 15 STARS, the inspiration for the brand, and the unique approach they take to blending bourbon and rye whiskey. Rick and Ricky also discuss the rewards of running a family-owned whiskey...
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344: Never Say Die Bourbon - From Kentucky Roots to Global Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Brian Luftman, Co-Founder of Never Say Die Bourbon, to explore the unique story behind the brand. From its Kentucky roots to its transatlantic journey to England, Never Say Die Bourbon combines American craftsmanship with a global perspective. Brian shares the inspiration behind the brand’s name, its connection to horse racing, and how Never Say Die is carving out a distinctive space in today’s crowded bourbon market. Jake and Brian also discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a bourbon brand in the U.S. and abroad, and...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive into the highly anticipated Four Roses 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch release. Bottled at barrel strength and showcasing some of Four Roses’ most unique recipes, this year’s Limited Edition is built around two 13-year-old V batches, said to deliver notes of apricot, vanilla, and caramel.
According to Four Roses, the blend is elevated by the addition of a 19-year-old OESV and OBSK, bringing layers of antique oak, rye spice, and remarkable depth for a truly balanced and complex flavor profile. At 109 proof, the 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch captures everything fans love about Four Roses — sweet fruit-forward aromas, mellow spice, and a long, soft finish.
Jake and Scott also discuss the broader Four Roses single barrel program, how the distillery continues to leverage its 10 distinct recipes, and what Bourbon fans might expect from future releases. This episode is a must-listen for collectors and enthusiasts eager to learn more about one of the most respected annual Bourbon releases.
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Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens