479. The Narrator, The Historian and The Guide

Welcome back to the Bourbon Road! In this episode, your host Todd Ritter is flying solo while Jim takes a brief hiatus for Dry January. But don't worry—Todd isn't drinking alone. He has recruited two heavy hitters from the world of whiskey history and travel to fill the void and co-host a packed episode dedicated to the art of the distillery visit.

Joining Todd in the studio is Drew Hannish, the voice behind Whiskey Lore and the author of the upcoming book Experiencing American Whiskey. With over 400 distillery visits under his belt across the United States and abroad, Drew brings a national perspective to the table. Also joining the conversation is Jerry Daniels, the owner and proprietor of Stone Fences Tours. A Kentucky historian and tour guide extraordinaire, Jerry offers an insider’s look at the Bluegrass State’s evolving tourism scene, from the big heritage brands to the craft innovators.

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into whiskey travel. Drew shares insights from his journeys, highlighting hidden gems outside of Kentucky. We discuss the "Land of Oz" vibe at Minden Mill in Nevada, the emerging scenes in Missouri and Texas, and why Pittsburgh might just be the next great whiskey destination. Jerry counters with his favorite Kentucky experiences, offering tips on how to navigate the trail beyond the standard tasting. The group discusses unique offerings like the "Science Tour" at Wilderness Trail, the archaeological digs at Buffalo Trace, and the party atmosphere at Whiskey Thief.

The trio also tackles the current state of the industry. With rumors of market corrections and distillery closures swirling, our guests offer a grounded perspective on what is actually happening. Is the boom over, or is the market just normalizing? They discuss the shift in consumer demographics, the rise of "experience-based" tourism, and why history and craft will always keep whiskey relevant even as trends shift.

Of course, it wouldn't be The Bourbon Road without a tasting session. Todd, Drew, and Jerry sample through three distinct expressions, analyzing the nose, palate, and finish of each.

On the Tasting Mat:

• The Macklowe Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A luxury release distilled in Danville, Kentucky. This High Corn recipe (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley) is aged for at least four years and bottled at 92 proof. The guys discuss the "confectionary sugar" sweetness, notes of honey candy, and the surprising mouthfeel of this newcomer to the scene.

• Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel: A special Tennessee Whiskey release that utilizes heavy toasting and a low entry proof (100 proof) to create a unique profile. Aged at the top of the highest barrel houses in Lynchburg, this 100-proof pour sparks a conversation about "banana nut bread" notes, marshmallow cream, and how Jack Daniel's continues to innovate within its traditional framework.

• Penelope 10-Year Private Select: Part of the Estate Collection, this straight bourbon clocks in at 106.8 proof. It features an intriguing mash bill blend of corn, rye, malted barley, and a mysterious 1% wheat. The group breaks down the floral nose, the transition from leather and tobacco to fresh citrus, and the long, spicy finish that lingers like "pop rocks."

Throughout the episode, the guys geek out on production details—from the science of yeast to the impact of barrel entry proof—and debate their personal rankings of the three pours. Tune in to hear their thoughts on travel, history, and which bottle stood out the most, without us spoiling the winner here!

Grab your favorite glass, settle in, and join us as we travel the country one dram at a time. Cheers!

Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, “The Bourbon Roadies” for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!