Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky’s native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: [email protected] with ideas, comments, or questions.

275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. 04/21/2024

275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in . Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys. Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton. 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Keeper’s Heart: Cousins Patrick and Michael O’Shaughnessy founded Keeper’s Heart with the mission to create world-class whiskeys for the occasions in life that connect us and bring people together. Keeper’s Heart currently produces and matures triple pot distilled whiskeys in the traditional Irish style that will be released over the coming years. These new expressions will allow Keeper’s Heart to showcase how they continue to reimagine whiskey’s traditions. Based in Minneapolis, Keeper’s Heart is created at The O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, a state-of-the-art facility that they’re delighted to share with the public. Keeper’s Heart offers distillery tours and events, as well as a world-class bar and restaurant. They also offer a Cask Society program that gives members access to one-of-a-kind releases and special offers. For More Information:   Image Credit: O'Shaughnessy and Keeper's Heart /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30917448

274: What is Your "Special Occasion" Bourbon? 04/14/2024

273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement 04/07/2024

273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey. These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year. How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt? Find out in today's episode! The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The expressions are the latest in the Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions launched in 2021 to honor the brand’s whiskey-making traditions. While batches within the Aged Series will have slight variations, the predominant notes of oak, butterscotch and tobacco can be found in each whiskey. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Batch 2 has predominant notes of pipe tobacco, oak, and butterscotch, while Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Batch 3 is oak-forward with layers of fruit and cocoa. Both expressions were charcoal mellowed and aged in new, toasted, and charred American white oak barrels first in the upper floors of our barrelhouse before being relocated to the lower ricks to extend the maturation process. Both share the same grain bill as the classic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 is offered at 107 proof (53.5% abv) and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 at 97 proof (48.5% abv). They are available in limited quantities across the United States this month in 700 mL bottles for suggested retail prices of $94.99 and $84.99, respectively. Image Credit: Jack Daniel's Distillery 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30718963

272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR 03/31/2024

272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond. We discuss the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch, the importance of sponsors in the sport, and how Kyle exemplifies the Rebel Spirit. Master Distiller John Rempe talks about his work at Lux Row Distillers, production of the Rebel line of spirits, and working with Kyle to teach him more about Kentucky Bourbon. Don’t miss this episode of Bourbon Lens and be sure to tune into Sunday's Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway to see the Rebel Bourbon Camaro on track!! 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About the Partnership: Who is Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and RCR? Kyle Busch, also known as “Rowdy,” is a professional stock car racing driver currently driving for RCR, short for Richard Childress Racing, in the NASCAR Cup Series. He’s known for his aggressive driving style and competitive spirit, earning him numerous victories and championships throughout his career. RCR is a renowned team in the world of NASCAR. They have a long history of success and have fielded some of the most iconic drivers in the sport, including Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Kevin Harvick. What the Rebel Spirit Means to Rowdy “Freedom, defiance, and attitude.” This is why Kyle, RCR, Rebel Bourbon, and the No. 8 Chevrolet are the perfect match. A match made in heaven? Whiskey heaven, maybe. “We wanted a team who does their own thing and embodies the essence of our brand. With Kyle and the RCR team, we found the perfect partner to bring the spirit and attitude of the Rebel brand to fans who feel the same way.” – Philip Lux, brand manager for Rebel Bourbon. The Spirit of NASCAR The intensity of Rebel Bourbon and NASCAR embody a spirit of daring and defiance, where it’s not about reaching limits but shattering them. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch doesn’t just drive – he lives and breathes the spirit of a rebel. He knows that to taste victory, you have to tip a little at the edge of tradition. About Rebel® Bourbon Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, Rebel Bourbon features a wheated mash bill that is true to its original recipe dating back to 1849. Known for its smoother, sweeter flavor, highlighted by delicious caramel and vanilla flavor notes, Rebel celebrates the “Rebel spirit in all of us” – especially those who embrace freedom, defiance and a little attitude. In 2023, Rebel Bourbon 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Platinum ASCOT award. The brand’s Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded gold medals at the 2023 SIP and ASCOT awards. About Luxco® Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco® is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP® Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky- based Lux Row Distillers®, home of Ezra Brooks®, Rebel®, Blood Oath®, David Nicholson® and Daviess County®; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery®, maker of Yellowstone® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case® Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch® Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor®, Exotico® and Dos Primos®; and Ross & Squibb® Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus® Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union® Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope® Bourbon, Everclear® Grain Alcohol, Pearl® Vodka, Saint Brendan’s® Irish Cream, The Quiet Man™ Irish Whiskey, Green Hat® Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com. About Richard Childress Racing: Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet). /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30611318

271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future 03/24/2024

271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky. Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse. We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his goals for the brand in the future. Check out this week’s insightful episode featuring Green River Distilling Co. For more details on Green River Rye Whiskey, check out the release info on . 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Green River Distilling Co. Originally founded in 1885 by J.W. McCulloch, Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) is the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky. The brand quickly became synonymous with quality and regarded as some of the finest bourbon from Kentucky. Known as "the Whiskey Without Regrets," the brand enjoys a long, rich history as the official medicinal whiskey of the U.S. Marine Hospital and has been referenced as the most expensive whiskey ever sold - 20 barrels were once traded for an interest in a Colorado gold mine before a distillery fire and prohibition relegated the brand to history. Reestablished in 2022, Green River Distilling Co. is a proud citizen of Owensboro, Kentucky and serves as the westernmost outpost of the Kentucky Bourbon TrailTM. Built off classic mash bills, Green River has a growing portfolio of whiskeys that have all been created onsite offering a smooth and welcoming taste profile to the consumer, a true testament to simplicity and quality going hand-in-hand. Green River is part of Bardstown Bourbon Company, a top 10 distiller in the U.S. For more information, visit . /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30515708

270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa 03/17/2024

270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery. Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode. We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Double Barrel Bourbon. 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Cedar Ridge Distillery: In 2005, Jeff and Laurie Quint founded Cedar Ridge Distillery because they believed it was time for Iowa–the number one corn-producing state in the U.S.–to share its homegrown bourbon whiskey with the world. Today, as Iowa’s first and oldest distillery, Cedar Ridge Distillery provides premium Midwest whiskey from America’s grain belt, managing every step of production while allowing nature to be the ultimate guide. Influenced by its heritage of winemaking and roots in agriculture, Cedar Ridge Distillery consistently produces high-quality, award-winning products including Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. Learn more at CedarRidgeDistillery.com. About Murphy Quint – Master Distiller and Director of Operations at Cedar Ridge Murphy grew up in the business with his parents opening Cedar Ridge Distillery while he was still a kid. His path to becoming the master distiller and director of operations for the company didn’t just have him working at the family distillery, though. He also spent some time at Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver before returning back to the family business in Swisher, Iowa. Since then he has held many roles, until he ultimately took over as the Master Distiller and is leading the future of whiskey at the Cedar Ridge Distillery. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30411113

269: A Look Inside the New “Whiskey House” with its Founders 03/10/2024

269: A Look Inside the New “Whiskey House” with its Founders We’re on location at Whiskey House with two of its co-founders, David Mandell and John Hargrove. Located in Elizabethtown Kentucky, Whiskey House is heading into the final stages of construction and plans to be the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. We learn about their plans to satisfy a unique need in the whiskey world and potentially disrupt the current sourced whiskey market. Whiskey House’s sole focus is their customers and, in that vein, this facility will not be open to the public. The Whiskey House will assist its customers in every step from grain to bottle, offering full customization and brand support along the way. We can’t thank Whiskey House enough for giving Bourbon Lens a peek inside their facility and for telling their story through our podcast. To learn more before the facility begins full production in July 2024, visit . 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Whiskey House: Whiskey House of Kentucky is the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. Located on a 176-acre campus in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Whiskey House is the first facility designed from the ground up for large-scale, flexible, custom whiskey production. Whiskey House provides unparalleled customer service, competitive pricing, and complete transparency into the manufacturing process for its Custom Whiskey Production customers. It will begin operations in July 2024. To learn more, visit . /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30306493

268: Exploring the Story of North Carolina's Oaklore Distilling Co. 03/04/2024

268: Exploring the Story of North Carolina's Oaklore Distilling Co. Friends and co-Founders, Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan, join Bourbon Lens in this week’s podcast. We’re talking Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, NC. Tom and Matt started like most whiskey hobbyists do, with tasting nights in their basements and at their bars, but quickly developed their passion into a brand and now distillery. Located in North Carolina, Oaklore is looking to embrace its community as it grows its distilling operation and its distribution footprint through DTC online sales. We tasted their North Carolina Straight Rye and Four Grain Straight Bourbon in this episode and, as you’ll hear in the episode, enjoyed each of them. Aster checking out this episode, head to to learn more about their distillery and grab yourself a bottle. 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About the Whiskey: North Carolina Straight Rye Proof: 92 proof Mash bill: 70% rye, 20% corn and 10% malted barley Tasting Notes: Starts with light wood tones on the nose, almost like a kiss from the barrel. The palette comes through with some agave notes, then transitions into sweet rye cereal. The finish is subtle and sweet, with some medium pepper spices. About the product: The story of the stave couldn’t be more evident than in the small batch rye whiskey we produce. Each batch is created using different pages of a stunningly beautiful story. You’ll fall in love with each chapter! Bringing together our best 6-year-old barrels from our sister distillery here in North Carolina, our rye whiskey is a grain-to-glass local product, showcasing what the ideal climate of the Piedmont region of North Carolina can do to a whiskey as it ages. The constant large swing in daily temperature year-round forces the barrels to breath deeper and more often, allowing the whiskey to penetrate the grooves at a higher rate. Oaklore Four Grain Straight Bourbon Proof: 92 proof Mash bill: 72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye and 7% malted barley Tasting Notes: Starts with a nose full of pecans and buttered honey cake. Once it hits the palette, silky smooth toffee bar takes over. Then a lingering finish of butterscotch, leaving a light spice on the tongue. About the product: This is Tom and Matt's heart. They are bourbon guys through and through and wanted to bring quality and creativity to the spirit, so they chose to pursue the four grain. As a rare find on the shelves, this style of bourbon brings depth and uniqueness. Bringing together our best 4- to 6-year-old barrels from our sister distilleries in North Carolina and Kentucky we batch them, let them get to know each other for 48 hours or so, then re-barrel them in the same barrels for additional aging. Once we feel the barrels are ready and matured, we batch them one last time before proofing and bottling to 92-proof. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30211278

267: Catching Up with Chattanooga Whiskey on their Growth and Success 02/26/2024

267: Catching Up with Chattanooga Whiskey on their Growth and Success For the first time in 4 years, Chattanooga Whiskey founder Tim Piersant rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up with the guys. Chattanooga Whiskey is a homegrown company that makes a unique style of whiskey in Tennessee; they call it Tennessee High Malt. They focus on unique and malted grains for their Mashbills and release a lineup of solid whiskeys as their standard offerings as well as their more limited runs. Whether it’s the Experimental, Bottled in Bond Vintage, Vault, or Cask Finishing series, you can always expect high value and a thoughtful, intentional whiskey. 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 , , and . Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on 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 . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Chattanooga Whiskey: Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in over 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery now hosts over 40,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. The Riverfront Distillery is the production home to Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature Tennessee High Malt expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, 99 Rye, and the Bottled in Bond Vintage Series. What is Tennessee High Malt? Tennessee High Malt is our signature style of Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Made with 4 grains, including 3 select specialty malts, our process includes extended 7-day fermentation, aging in two different charred and toasted white oak barrels, and a Solera barrel finishing. Each ingredient and each step of the process plays a unique role in creating the rich and complex character of Chattanooga Whiskey. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/30097488

266: Makers of Missouri Bourbon: Get to Know Holladay Distillery 02/19/2024

265: Inside the World-Class Whiskey Bar at Watch Hill Proper 02/12/2024

265: Inside the World-Class Whiskey Bar at Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Lens visits Louisville’s premier whiskey bar and restaurant, Watch Hill Proper. Founders Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs sit down with Jake and Scott to discuss their journey to opening Watch Hill Proper. This is a true destination to see when visiting Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Find out why in today’s episode. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , and . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Watch Hill Proper: Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen, located in Norton Commons, is the world’s most extensive American whiskey bar. Since opening in April 2022, Watch Hill Proper’s American whiskey selections have grown to nearly 2000 unique bottles, making it the largest American Whiskey bar in the world. The purpose of Watch Hill Proper is to be a dining destination that celebrates American whiskey from all around the country but in particular Kentucky bourbon. The restaurant hosts many public and private events, including bourbon and wine tastings, meet and greets with bourbon master distillers, and themed dinners. For more information, visit . About the Owners: Josh Howes has extensive business ownership experience having owned many companies since 2001 and currently owning several companies including Blue Energy Group. Josh's experience as a business owner has been in the construction and engineering industries. As a licensed professional engineer in 49 states, Josh works with dozens of companies in the construction and energy service markets including several Fortune 500 companies. Josh's business experience, sales experience, and employee management experience wise a major asset to Watch Hill Proper. Tommy Craggs has extensive experience in the alcohol industry dating back to 1999. Tommy has served fourteen years as manager of a locally-owned bar at Mr. G's, eight years as a locally-owned liquor store franchise manager and educator at Liquor World, and three years as one of the world's largest distillery's guides and bourbon educator at Heaven Hill. Tommy is a Bourbon Steward and Certified Spirit Specialist. Tommy's experience in working with suppliers and wholesalers, extensive knowledge of bourbon history and bourbon production, and success as a bar manager is a major asset to Watch Hill Proper. Image Credit: Watch Hill Proper /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29896163

264: Filmland Spirits Returns for An Encore Appearance 02/05/2024

264: Filmland Spirits Returns for An Encore Appearance Troy Bolotnick is back for his encore appearance on Bourbon Lens to talk about Filmland Spirits. We discuss since his last visit, including the Extended Cut bottlings of Moonlight Mayhem and Ryes of the Robots. Extended Cut is the brand’s Cask Strength offering of their whiskies. Since his last appearance, Filmland has also debuted Town at the End of Tomorrow, a limited release 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. We’ll talk about what’s in the pipeline for the brand, including the possibility of some finished whiskey offerings and their growth / market expansion. Here’s the full list of current releases from Filmland Spirits (Affiliate Links): Mash Bill: 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley Aged in American White Oak for 4+ years ABV: 47% / 94 Proof SRP: $54.95 (750ml) Accolades: Double Gold Medal, 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Mash Bill: 95 % Rye / 5 % Malted Barley Aged in American White Oak for 4+ years ABV: 47% / 94 Proof SRP: $59.95 (750ml) Accolades: Gold Medal, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Mash Bill: 75 % Corn / 21 % Rye / 4 % Malted Barley Aged in White American Oak for 4+ years ABV: 57.5% / 115 proof SRP: $79.95 (750 ml) Accolades: Gold Medal, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Mash Bill: 95% Rye/ 5% Malted Barley Aged in White American Oak for 4+ years ABV: 54% / 108 proof SRP: $74.95 (750 ml) Mash Bill: 78% Corn / 13% Rye / 9% Malted Barley Aged in American White Oak for 9 years ABV: 47% / 94 Proof SRP: $109.99 (750ml) About Filmland Spirits Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Filmland Spirits is an award-winning portfolio of small batch American whiskeys founded in 2020 by a team of whiskey enthusiasts, movie buffs and storytellers. The initial offerings are crafted from some of the finest whiskeys selected from across the country which are brought to Kentucky where they are aged, blended, finished and bottled by the Filmland Spirits team. These ultra-premium liquids are housed in custom bottles inspired by the world of moviemaking, then paired with a label that is a movie poster based on an original B-movie script written specifically for each expression. For more information, visit filmlandspirits.com. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29790023

263: A Masterful Blend of Three Generations at Wild Turkey Distillery 01/29/2024

263: A Masterful Blend of Three Generations at Wild Turkey Distillery Jake travels to Lawrenceburg to sit down with Bruce Russell, the newly appointed Associate Blender for Wild Turkey and part of the famed Russell Family. During their conversation, Bruce discusses the legacy of the Russell Family, creating Generations with Jimmy and Eddie, and what’s on the horizon for Wild Turkey Distillery. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Wild Turkey: The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery. The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for "some of that Wild Turkey whiskey" and the brand was born. Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 "alligator" char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For more details on Wild Turkey, visit /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29684253

262: Beverly Spirits and Their New Barrel Strength American Whiskey 01/22/2024

262: Beverly Spirits and Their New Barrel Strength American Whiskey Our guest this week is Andrew Borenzweig, Founder of Beverly Spirits. Andrew joins Bourbon Lens to discuss the path that led him to build a luxury spirits brand, crafting the liquid with Master Blender Murphy Quint, and (of course) his portfolio of American Whiskey. We’ve , the brand's initial offering, but we we’re excited to see what Beverly had in store with their barrel strength release; The Beverly Reserve. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Beverly Spirits: Beverly Spirits crafts an exceptional sipping experience with award-winning American whiskey. Founded by Andrew Borenzweig, an entrepreneur whose background is in the whiskey industry, Beverly Spirits is his vision to create a new style of American whiskey rooted in an ethos of effortless luxury inspired by the lifestyle of his hometown of Los Angeles. Our signature blends are designed by Founder Andrew Borenzweig and Master Blender Murphy Quint to perfect the balance between the bold, spicy flavor of rye, and the rich feel of bourbon. Each batch is artisanally crafted at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, using proprietary recipes comprised of straight rye and straight bourbon whiskeys hand selected from Iowa and Indiana. Andrew partnered with Cedar Ridge Distillery to create these signature blends, admiring the family-owned distillery’s legacy, product, and most importantly, people, cultivating a relationship based on a shared passion and commitment to quality. Working closely with Murphy Quint, Cedar Ridge’s Head Distiller, they spent years refining their recipe to craft a signature profile that is bold and complex yet inviting and smooth. They undertook a rigorous recipe development process leading to a celebratory conclusion in Barrel Shed #7 at Cedar Ridge on an Iowa summer day in 2021. After exhaustive tastings, crafting blend after blend by hand, evaluating each at cask strength, then at different proofs, they finalized their original recipe, The Beverly High Rye, and their barrel strength expression, The Beverly Reserve. For more information on Beverly Spirits, head over to the Beverly Spirits’ . Beverly Spirits can ship to 43 states (excluding MI, UT, MA, SD, AK, HI). The Beverly Reserve is available at select retailers, bars, restaurants and hotels in California, Tennessee and New York. This also includes retailers such as Erewhon in Los Angeles and Corkdorks in Nashville. Use their to find your bottle. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29584108

261: Barrell Craft Spirits Built a Solid Foundation for New Facility 01/15/2024

261: Barrell Craft Spirits Built a Solid Foundation for New Facility Barrell Craft Spirits invited Bourbon Lens to their new Jeffersontown Kentucky blending facility to record this week’s episode of the podcast. We’re joined by Founder Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations. During the episode, we discuss the new facility, its impressive design, and how it was built from the ground up with efficiency and quality at the forefront. We also discuss some of the recent whiskey releases from BCS, including Foundation, New Year 2024, and some of their cask finishes. Don’t miss out on this episode and learn more about one of the original independent whiskey blenders in America. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Barrell Craft Spirits: Barrell Craft Spirits® Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for its blending expertise since 2013, BCS skillfully designs, produces, and launches leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. The award-winning line of BCS releases are currently sold in 49 U.S. states. For more information, visit barrellbourbon.com. About Joe Beatrice, Founder: Joe Beatrice has built his career on new ideas. A former marketing and technology entrepreneur, Joe founded his first company, Blue Dingo Digital, in the 1990s to help companies use the Internet to establish, brand, and grow their products. But after 20 years, Joe was ready for a change. A longtime homebrewer, Joe saw the true magic of spirits after a transformative experience tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the very first time. In 2013, he launched Barrel Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, the epicenter of the American spirits industry. Instead of building his own distillery, Joe questioned the conventional wisdom and took a different course. He sourced and blended exceptional casks from established producers, bottled whiskeys at cask strength, and sold them as transparently as possible. That approach was unique in the United States, but not the world. Scotland's long-established independent bottlers were a major inspiration, and Joe was captivated by their ability to elevate barrels of whisky into something greater than the sum of their parts. He sensed that American consumers, too, would embrace the chance to explore whiskey in an entirely new way. Joe sold early releases case by case, personally pounding the pavement to drum up interest from bartenders and retailers. It turned out his visionary instincts were spot on once again. Barrell Craft Spirits' cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases quickly became an influencing force in American whiskey, picking up awards from the world's most prestigious spirits competitions. Joe remains intimately involved with every step of the production process at Barrell Craft Spirits, using his exceptional palate alongside master blender Tripp Stimson to choose and create great spirits. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtration - just like that fateful barrel tasting years ago-continues to guide every product release. Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist: Tripp hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2004, following his graduation from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, he was recruited as a Research and Development Scientist for the Brown Forman Corporation, headquarters to Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester. There he gained his experience in yeasting, fermentation, and the distillery sciences and operations that make a distillery operate successfully and efficiently. Following his 9 years with Brown Forman, Tripp formed his own consulting company providing the technical expertise needed to design, build and efficiently run a new distillery. He's been a key component in the success of distilleries around the country. Most recently, he helped to design and build the Kentucky Artisan Distillery, where he was later employed as Master Distiller and the Director of Distillery Operations. He oversaw all the Jefferson's Reserve project design and implementation including Jefferson's Groth, and Jefferson's Barrel Aged Manhattan. Additionally, he built the first malting operation in Kentucky in 2016. Tripp met Joe Beatrice at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and they began their work there together blending and producing interesting and unique whiskeys. He joined Barrell Craft Spirits in January of 2017 as the Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations and is responsible for developing our product formulation and leading the distillery building initiative. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29481033

260: Highlighting the Happenings at High West Whiskey 01/08/2024

260: Highlighting the Happenings at High West Whiskey In the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Tara Lindley and Holly Booth of High West Whiskey. Tara and Holly play pivotal roles in helping consumers get to know High West by creating the whiskey and running the hospitality program. You don’t have to look very hard to see the stamp these women have placed on the Utah-based whiskey company. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Tara Lindley Tara, High West’s Sensory QA & Product Development Manager, began her career in the beverage industry in the wine world, making the switch to spirits upon joining the High West team. She now oversees sensory evaluations, alongside Master Distiller Brendan Coyle and Blending and Distilling Manager Isaac Winter, and guides decisions for new and seasonal blends. Over time, Tara has harnessed her confidence and cemented herself as an innovator. About Holly Booth Throughout her time at High West, Holly ascended to lead bartender and teamed up with Steve Walton, now High West’s director of hospitality, to grow the unique and cutting edge High West bar program. Holly aims to craft distinctive and impactful cocktails that celebrate whiskey and the beauty of the American West. One of Holly’s biggest challenges has been proving that whiskey itself isn’t just a man’s drink. About High West Whiskey: Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, High West’s passion is crafting delicious and distinctive whiskeys and helping people appreciate whiskey all in the context of our home, the American West. High West offers an outstanding collection of highly rated whiskeys in finer liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. High West was honored to receive Whisky Advocate’s prestigious Distiller of the Year award in 2016. The ultimate authority on whisky said, “High West delivers innovative and delicious whiskeys, expands the definition of what it is to be a distiller, and pioneered a successful new paradigm for craft distilling.” High West’s must-visit locations include our High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah, a 30,000 square foot world-class distillery and visitor center featuring educational tours and High West’s unique country-western cuisine; and our High West Distillery & Saloon in historic Old Town Park City, the world’s only ski-in gastro distillery that was voted “Best Park City Restaurant” by readers of City Weekly. It has received multiple accolades including earning Best Après Ski Bar in Utah by USA TODAY’s 10Best being named a finalist in the 2020 Park City’s Best Awards for Best Après Ski, a nomination for Best Bar by the James Beard Foundation, and a top-10 ranking on The Daily Meal’s list of 150 Best Bars in America. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29376748

259: 15 STARS is the Father-Son Team Racking Up Big Whiskey Awards 01/02/2024

259: 15 STARS is the Father-Son Team Racking Up Big Whiskey Awards Our guests this week are the Father-Son team at 15 STARS Fine Aged Spirits. Rick and Ricky Johnson join Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey and how they founded the company. The Johnsons are no stranger to the world of unique grains, given their background in growing heirloom corn varietals, including Baby Black Corn and red, white, and blue heritage corns. Currently, 15 STARS is releasing some award-winning limited release whiskey blends and has aging stocks of whiskey which leverage their heirloom corns mashbills. 15 STARS hit the ground running with their early releases and continues to impress. We look forward to seeing what’s in store for the brand in the near future. For past coverage of 15 STARS on Bourbon Lens, . About 15 STARS Started by father and son entrepreneurs Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS is a tribute to more than 225 years of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship and pays homage to Kentucky, America’s 15th state. Bourbon lovers can find their portfolio of limited-release fine-aged bourbon whiskeys at select retail locations and fine restaurants in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia & Louisiana as well as online at 15STARS.com. Future releases will incorporate innovative grains while still following the founders’ low barrel entry proof, creative blending, and flavor-proofing techniques. 15 STARS distills and bottles at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. For more information visit or follow them on social at @15STARSbourbon. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29286303

258: Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman 12/26/2023

257: Heather Greene on the Growth of Milam & Greene Whiskey 12/18/2023

257: Heather Greene on the Growth of Milam & Greene Whiskey We’re joined by Heather Greene, CEO and Master Blender for Milam & Greene Whiskey. Heather is an industry veteran with a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge. She is also a whiskey writer, author of Whisk(e)y Distilled, and understands many of the behind the scenes dynamics of the whiskey world. For her contributions to Milam & Greene, Heather was recently recognized as the . Milam & Greene sources barrels, contract distills at Bardstown Bourbon Co., and distills at its Blanco, Texas distillery. In this episode, we discuss Milam & Greene’s history, its current portfolio, and what’s on the horizon for the brand. Don’t miss this episode. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Milam & Greene Milam & Greene Whiskey is made by some of the world’s most experienced whiskey professionals, including CEO, master blender, and author, Heather Greene, and 30-year whiskey veteran and master distiller, Marlene Holmes. 2023 has been a stellar year for Milam & Greene so far, after being named “2023 Rising Star Spirits Company of the Year” at The Ascot Awards followed by Heather Greene being awarded “Master Blender of the Year”. The Milam & Greene team distills in Blanco, Texas on copper pot stills as well as in Kentucky on classic column stills, using its proprietary yeast recipe and mash bill. Aging takes place in rickhouses located across four states in casks with an assortment of char levels for a variety of flavors resulting in the most thorough array of casks made and collected by any craft distiller. These casks become the ingredients from which its award-winning American whiskey range is batched to create perfection. Milam & Greene Whiskey believes in using the best people and ingredients to create delicious, award-winning whiskey for whiskey lovers. For more information visit: www.milamandgreenewhiskey. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/29119853

256: Whiskey Pairing with Goodfellas Pizza at Wiseguy Lounge 12/11/2023

255: O.H. Ingram River Aged Whiskey 12/04/2023

254: Exploring the Terroir and Provenance of Waterford Whisky 11/27/2023

254: Exploring the Terroir and Provenance of Waterford Whisky Get ready to “nerd out” over whisky with our newest podcast featuring Waterford Whisky. Waterford is an Irish Single Malt with a Scottish passion. Mark Reynier, Founder of Waterford Whisky, and Jake discuss the importance of heirloom grains and terroir in whiskey-making. Waterford Whisky looks to create distinct and unique flavors in the single malt category. We would love to hear your thoughts on heirloom grains and terroir, and if you think they make a difference in your whiskey! We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Waterford Whisky: With over a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, Waterford searches for natural flavors via three paths: pursues the individualism of terroir-derived flavor; , a mix of the farms to explore harmony and complexity of flavor; and the expresses the intensity of flavor from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties. Each bottle of Waterford comes with a Téireoir code, with every detail regarding the origins of the whisky. From agricultural data, information on the production process, interviews with the farmer and even a SoundCloud recording of the farm, drinkers are invited to gain a deeper understanding of their dram. About Mark Reynier - Founder & CEO: Waterford founder and CEO Mark Reynier has over 40 years' experience in the drinks industry – 20 years in wine, and 20 years in spirits. A maverick entrepreneur who has done perhaps more than any other figure to bring terroir to the spirits world, he began his career in the London wine trade in 1980, formed La Réserve – one of London's premier wine & spirit merchants – before resurrecting the mothballed Bruichladdich Distillery in 2000. The distillery was sold to Rémy Cointreau in 2012. Reynier then bought the former Guinness brewery in Waterford in 2014, transforming a state-of-the-art brewery into a modern distillery. Reynier has also begun proving these same principles in rum through his new brand Renegade Rum in Grenada and in July 2018 commenced building the game-changing $30 million (USD) Renegade Rum Distillery. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28797338

253: Virginia Distillery Co. Distills with the Courage of its Convictions 11/20/2023

253: Virginia Distillery Co. Distills with the Courage of its Convictions We’re joined by Virginia Distillery Company CEO, Gareth Moore. We discuss the role of VDC in the continued growth of American Single Malt as well as Gareth carrying forward his father’s legacy of making the finest single malts in America. And, of course, we walk through some VDC’s portfolio of American Single Malt. VDC is one of the leaders in the ASMW world and their role in pushing the category into the mainstream in America is particularly evident. If you haven’t explored American Single Malt yet, you’ll find that VDC’s broad portfolio is a great place to dip your feet. Cheers! We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Virginia Distillery Company Virginia Distillery Co. is America’s most awarded single malt distillery. Its founder, George G. Moore had a vision for redefining what heights a great American Whisky could reach. He unfortunately passed away while the distillery was being built, but his wife, Angela, and son, Gareth, inherited his vision, and have built the business in pursuit of George’s vision. Staffed by a local Virginia team and mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest, independently owned American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has an annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery distills, matures and bottles everything on-site in Lovingston, VA. Virginia Distillery Co. produces the most awarded American Single Malt whisky brand, Courage & Conviction, on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning VHW series, made with 100% malted barley, blending together both American and Scotch whiskies, showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making. About Gareth H. Moore, CEO Gareth serves as CEO and carries on his father George’s legacy and commitment to creating an exceptional American Single Malt. He is also a Principal at Adelphi Capital, a middle-market merchant banking business in Washington, DC. He is the President of the Virginia Distillers Association and serves on the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council as well as several other boards. He received a BA from Boston College and an MBA from Georgetown University. Our late founder, Dr. George G. Moore, a native Irishman, had a vision of producing world class single malt whisky in America. With his untimely passing, his wife and son inherited his vision, and are compelled by George’s often used expression, “Have the courage of your convictions.” Using the highest quality malted barley and fresh spring water fed from the Blue Ridge Mountains, our spirit develops in Virginia’s dynamic climate, allowing the broad temperature shifts to add depth to our whisky. We let the whisky tell us when it’s done, and when it is, it’s one that George would have been proud of. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28706013

252: Independent Bottlers and Their Important Role In American Whiskey 11/13/2023

252: Independent Bottlers and Their Important Role In American Whiskey This week, we are joined by the founders of Lost Lantern and American Mash & Grain to discuss independent bottlers in the American Whiskey landscape. We discuss the importance of the Independent Bottlers, some of the challenges they face, and the successes they’ve experienced in sourcing the nation’s top whiskies for their labels. We hope you enjoy this roundtable discussion with Lost Lantern founders Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski and Devin Ershow & Chase Langdon from American Mash & Grain. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Lost Lantern: Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Global Independent Bottler of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards in London and named one of SevenFifty Daily's 2023 Drinks Innovators. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern's newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. About American Mash & Grain: American Mash & Grain was founded by Devin Ershow & Chase Langdon. Devin and Chase have created a website documentary project to highlight the American Craft Whiskey movement, regularly giving full featured reviews and telling the stories of the best craft whiskey distilleries. As part of their project to document the current status of the craft whiskey market in American, they have married some of their favorite featured distilleries into unique blends of American Whiskey. They have released two blends, named Borrowed Page, to date. They also recently started to document stories of craft whiskey in their new podcast, Craft Spirited. To learn more about their work, check out . Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links: (This is the film referenced by Jake in the podcast; Shoutout to Chase for the reminder to add it to the show notes) /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28604203

251: Veterans Day Salute to Service with Four Branches Bourbon 11/06/2023

250: Celebrating a Big Milestone with Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023 10/29/2023

250: Celebrating a Big Milestone with Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023 In a special episode for Bourbon Lens, we’re celebrating the milestone of 250 Episodes with a tasting of the new . A special thanks to the team at Buffalo Trace Distillery and Sazerac Company for allowing us this opportunity to taste this ultra limited, highly sought after whiskey collection. Jake and Scott taste through the 5 bottle lineup of 2023 BTAC and give their thoughts on each. Which bottle should you seek out to taste at a bar or to add to your home bar? We give our rankings and overall impressions of this year’s collection. If you’ve had an opportunity to taste any of the lineup, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line and share. And cheers to another 250 episodes of Bourbon Lens podcast; we thank you for your support of Bourbon Lens. Fast Facts from Buffalo Trace About the 2023 Collection Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 18 Years Old Proof: 90 Barrels filled between the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005 Aged in Warehouses K, L, and M. Nose: dried orange, rye grain, clove and anise palate: black pepper, vanilla, and waves of oak, and a florally honey and tobacco leaf finish. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 “Low Rye”) Aged 19 years and three months old - the oldest release of the spirit since its 23-year inclusion in the Antique Collection Proof: 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975. Distilled in the spring of 2004. Aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q. Nose: dark chocolate and cherry pie filling Palate: caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake, finishing with dry and spicy notes of an earthy cigar box. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Aged for over six years. Proof: 124.9 Uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey Initially launched in response to a consumer request for more well-aged and barrel-strength whiskey Nose: orange zest and lemon oil, caramel, and hints of pine. palate: freshly baked rye bread spread with orange marmalade and honey appear first, followed by a lingering finish of light oak and black licorice. William Larue Weller Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Wheated Mashbill) Uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. 12 Years Old; distilled in the spring of 2011 Proof: 133.6 Warehouses C, L, M, and N. Nose: Candied notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean Palate: warm and full with stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble and a robust, dense finish enveloped with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup. George T. Stagg Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 “Low Rye”) 15 years and 4-months-old bourbon (distilled in the spring of 2008) Proof: 135 Aged in Warehouses C, I, K, L, and M. Nose: cinnamon and cherry cola Palate: a well-balanced mix of leather, chocolate, and vanilla on the palate, complete with a robust, earthy finish. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28448450

249: Exploring the Unique Whiskey Portfolio of Samson & Surrey 10/22/2023

248: Celebrating Old Fashioned Week with Elijah Craig and Friends 10/15/2023

248: Celebrating Old Fashioned Week with Elijah Craig and Friends In a first, Bourbon Lens podcast joins forces with its sibling podcast, , on this week’s special episode to celebrate . Old Fashioned Week is October 13-22, 2023. We’re joined by Lynn House with Heaven Hill to discuss the Old Fashioned Week campaign. We talk about tips for making the classic cocktail, Elijah Craig’s whiskey lineup, and the charitable element of this 10-day long celebration. If you want to join the fun, participating bars are searchable via a map on the “Find a Bar” widget on their . We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Old Fashioned Week: Elijah Craig first launched Old Fashioned Week in 2020 to support the food and beverage industry in a moment of crisis. Over the past three years, donations of more than $300,000 have been given to Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation and Southern Smoke Foundation. Elijah Craig is proud to continue hosting Old Fashioned Week in 2023, and support Southern Smoke in directly benefiting the bar and restaurant community. In 2022, Old Fashioned Week more than doubled participation with over 4,100 bars featuring Elijah Craig Old Fashioned riffs on their drink menus. In 2022, Old Fashioned Week raised $100,000 to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, and directly impact members of the food and beverage industry. That October, with the help from Elijah Craig’s donation, Southern Smoke Foundation provided more than 80 no-cost mental health counseling sessions to industry workers nationwide through their mental health program, Behind You, and distributed $109,775 in emergency relief grants to workers affected by crises including natural disasters; the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis; and other unforeseen events. For more details on Old Fashioned Week, check out their official website or . If you’d like to learn more about Southern Smoke Foundation, or donate directly, head to . Image Credit: Old Fashioned Week banner's courtesy of Elijah Craig /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28318832

247: Barrel Global is Bringing Bourbon Ownership to Consumers 10/08/2023

247: Barrel Global is Bringing Bourbon Ownership to Consumers Jake is joined by George Koutsakis to discuss his latest venture in spirits, Barrel Global. Barrel Global is a whiskey startup that has the goal of connecting spirits buyers with spirits makers. Barrel Global makes barrel ownership possible for first-time collectors by allowing the purchase of just one barrel, so you too can enjoy the experience and rewards of barrel ownership. Whether it’s one barrel or many, Barrel Global is your one-stop-shop for buying and bottling your very own distilled spirit. How does it work? Tune into today’s episode for all the details. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Barrel Global: One of the first front-facing barrel ownership companies in the US, Barrel Global works hand in hand with some of the most exciting, up-and-coming bourbon distilleries in the US to bring full barrel ownership to collectors, brands, and consumers. Founded by whisky expert and entrepreneur George Koutsakis, Barrel Global was created to simplify barrel ownership and make the experience as seamless and fun as possible. To guarantee the safety and security of the barrels, Barrel Global partners with distilleries and offers a state-of-the-art purchasing and stock management system for client use. Barrel Global is focused heavily on pushing the amazing bourbon and American Whiskey categories across the globe. Find out more at: . How it Works: The first step to our process is to . From there, you’ll wait for your application to be approved before you can reserve a barrel. After receiving payment, you’ll receive an ownership certificate that provides legal documentation outlining your full barrel rights. You have the opportunity to visit your barrel for sampling but in order to comply with legal requirements, full barrels cannot be transported outside of an approved warehouse until they are bottled. If you don’t want to have your whiskey bottled, you can trade it for others you prefer or sell your collection for cash on the Barrel Global marketplace. When it comes time to bottle, we can help facilitate the design, packaging, and legally compliant shipping of the bottles. We’re on a mission to make whiskey barrel ownership accessible to collectors worldwide. As the first ever global marketplace for whiskey barrels, you can connect with distilleries and collectors around the world to build your own portfolio. For a whiskey experience unlike any other, to their website here: . About George Koutsakis: A recognised spirits and whisky expert and writer, George has reported on the whisky world for titles including Forbes, Financial Times, Food & Wine, and many others, George has watched the world of luxury whisky evolve. Living in Asia for over 6 years, George has worked with some of the biggest auction houses in HK. Most recently, he has worked with numerous companies in Web3, assisting to draw parallels between NFTs and Spirits. He has done a TED talk on alcohol consumption and appeared with 2Chainz on The Most Expensivest by Vice. George also starred in a short show titled Unmapped, made by South China Morning Post, owned by Alibaba. George now owns Coachbuilt Whisky alongside F1 champion, Jenson Button. He's the founder of Barrel Global, a US-focused barrel selling company, and MaltyVerse, the world's first original comic book and independent whisky brand. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28259375

246: Catching Up with Wally Dant at Log Still Distillery 10/01/2023

246: Catching Up with Wally Dant at Log Still Distillery We’re back on the road and at Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky. We sit down with Founder, Wally Dant, to discuss all that has gone on at Log Still since we last visited over two years ago. This is a destination distillery for anyone who is going out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Log Still Distillery’s expansive campus (in addition to its world class distillery and tasting room) includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000 square foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&B’s, a private train depot, a soon-to-open farm-to-table restaurant, and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. 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 , , & . And please check out our to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at . Check out our to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About J.W. “Wally” Dant We call him founder, foreman, and fearless leader. You can call him Wally. As president/distiller, Wally Dant works hard every day to bring his vision for Log Still Distillery to life. And to Wally, it’s about more than quality spirits and an unforgettable destination. It’s about love of God, family, community and bourbon. Wally is rebuilding and reimagining the historic distillery property, the very same land in southern Nelson County where his many family members once made spirits. “To be able to put your name as a distiller on a bottle is pretty humbling.” Log Still is Wally’s way of honoring his family and giving back to the community he credits for providing his family with values and love. And drawing from years of experience in the healthcare and liquor industries, this business savvy entrepreneur is the right man for the job. Wally dreams big, and he won’t stop until he sees those dreams come to fruition. If he’s not hard at work shepherding the Log Still brands, you can likely find him making garden fresh salsa, hot sauce, ketchup from the homegrown garden, or cooking up a chef-like meal for friends and family. About Log Still Distillery Log Still Distillery is bringing bourbon back to Gethsemane. Guided by Wally Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles Dant, Log Still is built on old distillery land and reimagined to create a unique bourbon and family destination. Each bottle is filled with respect, ever mindful that faith, family, community, and bourbon pave the way for future generations. Featured products include the Monk’s Road line of Kentucky bourbons and gins and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey line. Log Still anchors a pastoral campus that includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000 square foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&B’s, a private train depot, a soon-to-open farm-to-table restaurant, and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake, making it a one-of-a-kind destination to make lasting memories with family and friends. /episode/index/show/bourbonlens/id/28192355

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