351: Minden Mill Distilling with Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan
Release Date: 10/05/2025
357: Showcasing Westland Garryana 10th Edition American Single Malt
Bourbon Lens
Jake and Scott sit down with Shane Armstrong of Westland Distillery to explore the growing American Single Malt movement. Westland has helped pioneer the category through innovation, transparency, and a true sense of place in the Pacific Northwest. The conversation centers on the release of Garryana 10th edition, Westland’s acclaimed limited-edition Garryana American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged a full 10 years, this special release represents the apex of the Garryana story, showcasing the unique influence of Quercus garryana, the rare native oak of the Pacific Northwest. Shane discusses...
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356: Three Chord Bourbon Volume 2, Vinyl Revival, & Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman
Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is joined by Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker for Three Chord Bourbon, to talk about the brand’s newly released Volume 2 Series — a refreshed lineup featuring bold new blends, labels, and a creative direction deeply rooted in music culture. The Volume 2 collection introduces redesigned packaging that draws inspiration from classic vinyl records and live concert photography, reinforcing Three Chord’s connection between the worlds of whiskey and rock-and-roll. Ari shares the creative process behind these new blends and how the brand continues to evolve its identity through both...
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355: Organic Spirits & Mountain Craft with Warfield Distillery’s Alex Buck
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Alex Buck, Co-Founder and Managing Distiller of Warfield Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum, Idaho. The two discuss the origins of Warfield, how Alex transitioned from a career in law to distilling, and the inspiration behind the brand’s focus on organic spirits and sustainability. Alex shares insight into Warfield’s American Whiskey, Gin, and Barreled Gin, each crafted with a dedication to quality ingredients and a commitment to transparency in production. They explore what sets Warfield apart in the spirits world — from its...
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354: Whiskey with a Sense of Place - New Single Warehouse Releases
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott explore how certain new whiskey releases capture a true sense of place — from the rickhouses of Kentucky to the hills of Tennessee. They start with the latest installment of the from Wild Turkey Distillery, featuring barrels aged in the legendary Camp Nelson E rickhouse. Each release in this series reflects the unique environmental conditions that make individual rickhouses so special to the final flavor profile. The discussion also touches on the releases from James B. Beam Distilling Co., continuing the brand’s innovative storytelling...
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353: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass: Exploring Chinquapin Oak Whiskey
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive deep into Heaven Hill’s newest innovation — the Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Series. The series launches with three unique whiskeys, each aged entirely in Chinquapin Oak barrels, showcasing Heaven Hill’s continued commitment to experimentation and craftsmanship. The trio includes: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malt) Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Wheat, 13% Malt) Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 107 proof (Mashbill: 63% Rye, 24%...
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352: Craft Distilleries to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott turn the spotlight on the craft and independent distilleries making waves across the Bourbon and American Whiskey landscape. From Kentucky to Nevada, Colorado to New York, they highlight more than dozen distilleries to watch in 2025 and beyond — brands that are redefining what it means to craft whiskey in America today. The discussion also takes a closer look at the tightening bourbon market, the economic and production challenges that small distilleries face, and how whiskey fans can make a real impact by supporting independent producers....
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351: Minden Mill Distilling with Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Joe O’Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, to discuss his journey in American Whiskey and what makes Minden Mill one of Nevada’s most exciting distilleries. Joe shares his early experiences learning from one of the greats in American Whiskey, Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and widely considered the “godfather of American Single Malt.” From there, Joe’s path took him across the country as he honed his craft and helped shape the modern American Single Malt category. The conversation...
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350: Why Great Bourbon Doesn’t Have to Be High Proof: Sub-100 Proof Picks
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott tackle a hot topic in the bourbon world: does great bourbon have to be high proof? While barrel-strength and cask-strength whiskeys continue to dominate the conversation, the guys make the case for exploring the sub-100 proof range (80–99 proof) as well. They share standout examples of bourbons and whiskeys in this proof category, explain why there’s a time and place for every proof point, and discuss how “palate fatigue” from ultra-high-proof releases has shaped their appreciation for more balanced pours. Whether you’re new to bourbon...
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349: Best Sub-$50 Kentucky Bourbons & Kentucky Bourbon Festival Recap
Bourbon Lens
In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott recap their time at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, sharing highlights from the annual celebration of Bourbon in Bardstown, Kentucky. From new releases to conversations with fellow enthusiasts, the festival once again showcased why Bourbon continues to thrive as Kentucky’s signature industry. The conversation then turns to a practical guide for Bourbon drinkers — building a home bar with the best sub-$50 Kentucky Bourbons. Jake and Scott break down what makes this price point so valuable, pointing to age statements, medium-to-high proof...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Joe O’Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, to discuss his journey in American Whiskey and what makes Minden Mill one of Nevada’s most exciting distilleries.
Joe shares his early experiences learning from one of the greats in American Whiskey, Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and widely considered the “godfather of American Single Malt.” From there, Joe’s path took him across the country as he honed his craft and helped shape the modern American Single Malt category.
The conversation explores what led Joe to Nevada and the vision behind Minden Mill Distilling — from its straight Bourbon and Rye to its American Single Malt Whiskey lineup. Jake and Scott also dive into Joe’s involvement with the new Estate Whiskey Alliance, his advocacy for the “ground-to-glass” movement, and why innovation and heritage both matter in today’s spirits world.
Listeners will hear firsthand how Minden Mill’s unique approach to whiskey-making, backed by a state-of-the-art facility and the Carson Valley’s rugged character, is positioning the distillery as a rising force in American Whiskey.
About Joe O’Sullivan:
Joseph (Joe) O’Sullivan is the Master Distiller of Minden Mill Distilling in Nevada and a respected voice in American Whiskey. He apprenticed under Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and a pioneer of American Single Malt, before going on to serve as Master Distiller at Clear Creek and later Hood River Distillers.
Joe has been an active leader in the industry, contributing to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, helping establish the category’s Standard of Identity certified by the TTB in 2024, and supporting the Estate Whiskey Alliance. He also shared his expertise with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, shaping global understanding of American Single Malt.
With nearly two decades of distilling experience, Joe oversees Minden Mill’s production of Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, and American Single Malt Whiskey, as well as vodka and liqueurs. His career reflects a balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and advocacy for American whiskey traditions.
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Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens
Distillery Images Credit: Scott Shearer