Podcasts about kentucky bourbon festival

Send us Fan MailWe taste and rate Brown-Forman's Kentucky Boy, a resurrected historic label released to honor Chris Morris's 50-year legacy, and we push past the hype to see if the pour earns the story. We also unpack what's known and unknown about the blend, why the Kentucky Bourbon Festival was the perfect debut stage, and what bourbon fans should demand from “commemorative” bottles. • Kentucky Boy release details, 100 proof, $99.99 MSRP, one-time limited release • Why resurrecting a dormant label from Brown-Forman's archives changes the story • Chris Morris's impact on Old Forester and Woodford Reserve innovations • The mentorship angle with Elizabeth McCall and Caleb Trigo creating the whiskey • What “unprecedented blend” means when components and ages are not published • Tasting notes and Barrel Bottle Breakdown scoring, ending at 16.5/18 • Open it or collect it, and whether Brown-Forman should keep Kentucky Boy alive • How the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has evolved and why that matters • Second Stride charity tie-in and the thoroughbred theme connection If you go to Apple and you leave a five-star review and you write something, we go up. Whether you listen to us or watch us, make sure that you leave good feedback, leave super chats, become members. We even got a Patreon site. A bourbon name that vanished for generations suddenly comes roaring back and it's not just a label stunt. We're tasting Kentucky Boy Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a one-time limited release from Brown-Forman that revives a historic brand the company acquired in 1923 and uses it to honor Chris Morris and his 50-year legacy in Kentucky whiskey. The bottle debuted at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, with Chris Morris signing bottles and the whole release feeling like a real moment in modern bourbon history, not just another shelf drop.What makes Kentucky Boy more than a commemorative keepsake is who built it. Brown-Forman handed the project to two of Morris's protégés: Elizabeth McCall of Woodford Reserve and Caleb Trigo of Old Forester. The official story calls it an unprecedented blend inspired by whiskeys Morris helped shape, often linked to Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, King of Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, but the company doesn't publish component percentages or ages. We talk about what that transparency gap means for serious bourbon fans and why mentorship might be the most meaningful “ingredient” in the bottle.Then we get to the only thing that ultimately matters: the pour. Our Barrel Bottle Breakdown pulls big banana pudding and banana cream pie on the nose, backed by baking spice, apple, and sweet oak. The body shows thick legs and a surprisingly rich mouthfeel for 100 proof, the palate stays flavorful without harsh heat, and the finish keeps that sweet banana note rolling. We score it 16.5/18 and debate the real questions: would you open it or collect it, does resurrecting Kentucky Boy improve the story, and should Brown-Forman keep the label alive for future milestones?If you enjoy bourbon tasting notes, Brown-Forman history, Old Forester and Woodford Reserve deep cuts, and honest talk about festival culture and hype, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave us a five-star review so more listeners can find the show. If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Special edition of Thursday Thoughts, recorded live at Kentucky Bourbon Festival! Bourbon Lens sits down with Walter of Whiskey Thief for breaking news straight from the farm.In this episode, Walter announces that Whiskey Thief is officially sourcing whiskey — a major strategic shift for the brand after explosive growth (60,000+ visitors last year, 65,000+ expected this year at the farm, and 100,000+ at their Louisville-area location). Rather than release younger whiskey to keep up with demand, Whiskey Thief is going straight to the best barrel warehouses in Kentucky to bring fans exceptional juice while their own production scales up.Also in this episode:Two new stills acquired — production is ramping up fastMaster blender Lisa Wicker is leading Whiskey Thief's first blended releasesUltra-limited "Outtakes" bottles — small-batch releases made from the flavorful, oxidized whiskey left behind after barrel-thieving (only ~30 bottles per release)The new "Hazmat Rye," an early-pulled twist on their Mayday RyeWhiskey Thief's 14th anniversary celebrations happening throughout OctoberWhiskey Thief Fest — two days of music on October 9–10, presented with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows' Underwater Sunshine Festival (rebranded "Underwater Moonshine Festival" for this event)Whiskey Thief has always been single-barrel, straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered — and Walter promises full transparency (mash bill, proof, everything) continues even as sourced products roll out.

Send us Fan MailWe retrace our 11-day run through Kentucky leading up to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and tell the real story behind the bottles, the bus tour, the volunteer work, and the people who make Bardstown feel like a second home. We share what went right, what surprised us, and why the best pours often happen outside the official tasting lines. • kicking off Season 8 and setting the festival mission • hunting a 1965 I W Harper Bottled In Bond through Revival Vintage Spirits • using Bardstown as the perfect bourbon travel hub • early distillery stops and gift shop strategy at Jim Beam and Heaven Hill • hosting Dan McKee for dinner plus a night that goes sideways fast • Louisville barrel thieving with Tegrity and a visit with Amin • volunteering to load in distilleries and how the festival runs backstage • tasting Dark Arts releases with Macaulay Minton in Lexington • Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour stops at Whiskey Thief Four Roses and Buffalo Trace • picking a Whiskey Thief barrel and how to find the Scotchy pick • Bourbon In The Air highlights plus why some lines feel worth it • Old Forester Kentucky Boy release and our take on value vs price • Whiskey House events and the My Kentucky Home dinner train • meeting Jim Gaffigan and gifting bacon bourbon balls • wrapping the weekend with final bottle pickups and goodbyes Remember www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things scotchy bourbon boys, Glenn Carons and t-shirts are available. Whether you listen to us or you like us, make sure that you leave good feedback, especially on Apple. Write a review, give us five stars, that helps us out so much. Eleven days. Multiple towns. More bottles than we planned. Season 8 starts with our full Kentucky Bourbon Festival travel diary, from the first volunteer meeting in Bardstown to the last goodbye pour on the way home. We talk through the real mechanics of doing bourbon country the right way: where to base yourself, how to book meals and tastings, when to buy early, and how to avoid burning out your palate before the main events even begin.We get into the moments that made this year different: tracking down a vintage 1965 I W Harper Bottled In Bond through Revival Vintage Spirits, stacking distillery stops like Jim Beam and Heaven Hill, and hosting Michter's master distiller Dan McKee for a laid-back dinner that turns into a night none of us will forget. We also hit Louisville for barrel thieving at Tegrity and a visit with Amin, then head to Lexington to taste Dark Arts festival releases with blender and owner Macaulay Minton.Once the Kentucky Bourbon Festival events kick off, we break down what worked: smoother Will Call, better line flow, strong food, and a media tent setup that makes live interviews and quick conversations easier. We share highlights from our Scotchy Bourbon Boys bus tour with stops at Whiskey Thief, Four Roses, and Buffalo Trace, including a Whiskey Thief barrel pick you can ask for by name. And yes, we also tell the story of meeting Jim Gaffigan and handing over bacon bourbon balls.If you love bourbon, Bardstown, barrel picks, and the culture behind the glass, hit play, subscribe, and leave us a review so more bourbon fans can find the show. If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

This week, we're on the road at the 35th Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky. We'll have highlights from the weekend throughout this week's podcast. In the news, President Donald Trump is dropping the hammer on Canadian whiskies with a complete ban on imports set to take effect later this month. Trump also gave Irish whiskey makers a boost by dropping the U.S. import tariff on Irish whiskies.

Driving back from the last day of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival the crew reflects on the weekend, tell some fun stories and Parker interviews a few of the distilleries who participated. What a weekend!

Dark Arts Whiskey House got really into their bag with a banging mail call.  They sent the team the releases they will be pouring at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.  You will all be very happy and your palate will thank you.  Tap in to see what it's all about.  Stay Black and Keep it Brown.  Cheers!Instagram: @dablackandbrownpodcast @my_government_name_is @agbk06 @delvinj33 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blackandbrownpodcast2036

Parker and his friends from Bonding Over Bourbon recap their first full day at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. They sample some of the exclusive bottles they picked up and Parker interviews people at the festival to get some insight into this exceptional bourbon event.

On the road in Kentucky...Parker, Chris and Kat recap their first full day in Bardstown before the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. They recap their day picking barrels at Cox Creek Distilling.

Send us Fan MailWe put our “whiskey without borders” promise to the test by tasting King Car Taiwanese single malt finished in bourbon barrels and arguing over the wildest notes we find. We score it nose, body, taste, and finish, then stack it up against bottles like Highland Park 12 and Johnnie Walker Green before we shift into Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans. • Why international whiskey belongs on a bourbon-forward show • King Car's tropical fruit nose: pineapple, mango, banana, vanilla, caramel • Bubblegum, suntan lotion, and other “you had to be there” aroma calls • Mouthfeel talk: oily, viscous, then gently drying • Smoke and leather notes without heavy peat • Barrel Bottle Breakdown scoring system and our final average score • Finish debate: medium vs long and the lingering licorice-anise edge • Comparison pours and what bourbon drinkers might like best • Kentucky Bourbon Festival logistics and where to find us • Bourbon balls made with maple-finished bourbon and long-soaked pecans www.scotchybourbonboys.com If you watch us or if you listen to us, make sure that you leave us good feedback If you listen on Apple, leave us a good five-star review and give us a review If you're coming down to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, come check out the Scotchy Bourbon Boys, come find us, say hello, and let's have a pour or two A single malt from Taiwan finished in bourbon barrels sounds like a mashup, but the glass tells a real story. We pour King Car and immediately start chasing notes that feel both familiar and surprising: pineapple acidity, mango smoothness, vanilla sweetness, light caramel, and a nostalgic bubblegum aroma that sparks a full-on debate. If you're a bourbon drinker who wants to explore international whiskey without diving straight into heavy peat, this tasting is built for you.  We break the whiskey down the Scotchy Bourbon Boys way, scoring nose, body, taste, and finish, and we get specific about what's working and what isn't. The nose shines with fruit and dessert-like sweetness, the body brings an oily, viscous mouthfeel, and the palate shifts quickly into gentle smoke and a dry leather-oak edge. Then we argue about the finish, because some pours disappear fast and others hang around in the back of your throat like a “ghost note” for the rest of the night. We even float the idea of an “after aroma” category for the empty glass, because sometimes that's where the best whiskey memories live.  To help you place King Car in your own collection, we compare it to familiar bottles like Highland Park 12 and Johnnie Walker Green, calling out peat level, fruit character, and smoke intensity in plain terms. After the tasting, we pivot into real-world whiskey life: Kentucky Bourbon Festival travel plans, where you can find us on the grounds, and the homemade bourbon balls we're bringing along for friends and fellow fans.  If you enjoy bourbon, single malt, Scotch comparisons, and honest tasting notes, subscribe and share this one with a whiskey buddy. Leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and drop a comment with the one flavor note you always chase when you try a new single malt.7 If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan MailWe get ready for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and relive how a bourbon trip becomes a mix of friends, schedules, and chasing the next great pour. Then we dig into why Michter's keeps winning us over and argue about whether festival bottle lines count as real bourbon hunting.• Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans with the full crew, house schedule, and bus tour energy • Bourbon balls for the holidays, merch updates, and where to follow us online • Why Michter's shelf lineup stays consistent and drinkable • Quality-first releases versus mash bill transparency, including skipping a 10-year release • The Michter's rye bottles that changed our minds and shaped our palates • Bottle-your-own at Michter's Fort Nelson, anniversary pours, and the chair story in Shively • What went wrong with last year's long lines and limited allocated bottles • How Jim Beam handled festival sales better, plus why single barrels matter • Whether a festival-only batch release solves the problem or kills the huntPlease, please leave us a five-star review with a review about what you like about usWaiting in a bourbon line for two hours and walking away with nothing changes how you see a festival. We're gearing up for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival with the whole crew, but we also want to talk honestly about what worked, what didn't, and what we hope gets fixed this year, because the festival is supposed to feel like the Super Bowl of bourbon, not a lesson in frustration.We spend a big chunk of time on Michter's, one of our favorite distilleries to drink and to visit. We talk through why Michter's Sour Mash and their core lineup are such reliable pours, how their team protects a consistent flavor profile, and why they're willing to skip a release when it doesn't meet their standard. It turns into a real conversation about whiskey transparency versus quality: do you need the mash bill, or do you trust what's in the glass?Then we jump back into festival strategy. We break down last year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival bottle situation, the Heaven Hill line chaos, and why Jim Beam's setup felt smoother for actual festival-goers. We also spotlight festival single barrel picks as a smart move when allocated bottles get messy, and we dig into a rumor we've heard about a Kentucky Bourbon Festival only release designed to keep people from leaving empty-handed. Of course, that leads to our favorite argument: is the festival still “the hunt,” or is it a stocked pond where you just choose your fish?If you love bourbon travel, distillery visits, allocated bottle drama, and honest tasting talk, hit play. Subscribe, share this with your bourbon crew, and leave us a review so more whiskey fans can find the show. If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan MailWe go head to head on Knob Creek 12 Year 2026 at 100 proof versus the rare 121.2 proof cask strength release, asking whether proof actually equals better flavor. The 100 proof impresses with balance and peanut brittle notes, then the cask strength lands a rich butterscotch finish that blows past our scoring scale. • upcoming Bourbon on the Banks and Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans • why we start with the lower proof first in a fair tasting • Knob Creek history, Beam small batch roots, and personal Knob Creek stories • what “cask strength” means and why adding water was the original intent • our barrel bottle breakdown scale for nose, body, taste, and finish • tasting notes on the 100 proof 12 year, including cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, peanut brittle, leather and oak • tasting notes on the 121.2 proof cask strength, including richer caramel, vanilla chew, butterscotch, and a long sweet finish • final scores and which bottle we would share for which occasion Remember, www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things scotchy bourbon boys. Same age statement, same distillery DNA, two very different proof points. Tonight we put Knob Creek 12 Year 2026 at 100 proof against the limited Knob Creek 12 Year Cask Strength 2026 at 121.2 proof and chase one question all the way down the glass: does higher proof really mean more flavor, or does the standard release win on balance?We start with what makes Knob Creek a modern classic in Kentucky bourbon: long aging, heavy oak influence, caramel and vanilla, and that unmistakable Beam family nuttiness. Then we break down what “cask strength” and “barrel proof” actually change in the final bottle, from mouthfeel and finish to how alcohol heat can either hide flavors or amplify them. We also use our Barrel Bottle Breakdown rating scale so you can follow the nose, body, taste, and finish in a clear, repeatable way.The 100 proof 12-year delivers big with cinnamon, brown sugar, dried apple, caramel, and a peanut brittle note that screams Knob Creek. Then the cask strength surprises us with a richer caramel-vanilla nose and a butterscotch-driven finish that drinks shockingly easy for 121.2 proof, earning a score so high it breaks our scale. If you love bourbon reviews, tasting notes, and honest proof debates, this pour is for you.Subscribe, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave a review on Apple or your favorite podcast app so more people can find the show. If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan MailWe catch up with Rebecca Neely on what's new at Neely Family Distillery, from a hidden speakeasy room to a rare three-chamber still that's finally running. We also get deep on blending, finishing, and festival releases, plus the behind-the-scenes chaos of a surprise New Orleans wedding. • the speakeasy room and how guests stumble into it • what a three-chamber still is and why it matters in Kentucky whiskey history • first agave spirit plans and how they'll barrel-age it • why finished bourbon is a creative choice rather than a cover-up • how Neely thinks about barrel picks, naming, and special collaborations • what changes in flavor as whiskey ages and oak takes over • getting Neely whiskey into Ohio and what the distribution process is really like • blending as a craft, including sampling technique and quality control before bottling • absinthe culture, the 1890s absinthe still, and a four-year aged absinthe release • Kentucky Bourbon Festival plans including a 10-year bourbon and the banana batch four-grain www.scotchyburbonboys.com. Remember drink responsibly, don't drink and drive, and go out and live your life uncut and unfiltered. A hidden speakeasy door at a Kentucky distillery is fun, but the real surprise is what's happening behind the scenes. Rebecca Neely joins us to talk about how Neely Family Distillery keeps pushing forward with hands-on barrel picks, relentless day-to-day work, and a very specific obsession with chasing flavors you can't find anywhere else. If you're into craft bourbon, Kentucky distilling history, and the reality of building a spirits brand with a small team, this conversation goes straight to the source.  We spend serious time on their three-chamber still, one of the rarest setups you'll find in modern American whiskey. Rebecca breaks down why it's so difficult to run, what they've already distilled on it, and why their next move is an agave spirit, plus plans to barrel-age it and experiment with finishes down the road. From tequila and gin barrels to a sotol finish that “tastes like fireworks,” we talk about the point of finishing, why “finished bourbon means bad bourbon” is a myth, and how blenders protect their reputation by fixing a blend before it ever reaches a bottle.  Then we zoom out to what's happening in the market: getting into Ohio distribution, why strict shipping rules can actually save your product, and why the “bourbon bubble burst” narrative misses the bigger truth that experiences and authenticity are what fans chase. We also nerd out on Neely's absinthe, made on a dedicated 1890s absinthe still, including a new four-year barrel-aged absinthe, and we preview Kentucky Bourbon Festival drops like their first 10-year bourbon release and the cask-strength banana-note four-grain. Subscribe, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Randy Prasse president of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, to talk about how the event sold out at warp speed and why the real reason people return is the friendships and the shared pours. We also dig into what's new on the grounds this year, how distilleries are using the festival for launches, and what it takes to keep lines, gates, and expectations under control. • sold-out ticket demand and what it signals about bourbon fans • keeping the festival's core as a social reunion, not just bottle chasing • growth in distilleries, brands and SKU variety across the weekend • barrel picks and why a Kentucky Bourbon Festival label now matters • Bardstown's transformation and the festival's impact on local business • new entry gates, VIP-only access windows and smoother flow • the Speakeasy upgrade and the push toward corporate hospitality • craft distilleries, brand eligibility and how connections keep brands alive • bottle lines, scarcity, entitlement and smarter systems like tokens • volunteering, staffing and building a team that can execute at scale • trip planning tips, hydration, designated drivers and responsible drinking kybourbonfestival.com scotchyburbonboysall.com Make sure you leave good feedback and also become a member or do super chats. Remember to always drink responsibly, never drink and drive, and live your life uncut and unfiltered. Tickets vanish, lines form, and suddenly Bardstown feels like the center of the bourbon universe. We're joined by Randy Prasse, president of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, to unpack how the festival sold out like a rock concert and what that demand says about bourbon right now. Spoiler: the hype is real, but the best part is still the people, the reunions, and the conversations you only get when distillers and fans are sharing the same space.We get into what's changing on the ground for this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky: a second general admission gate to move crowds faster, tighter protection of the VIP entrance during key hours, and a new Speakeasy-style upgrade that hints at bigger corporate hospitality plans ahead. Randy also shares how the layout is staying familiar while the experience keeps leveling up, from the craft distillery area to education spaces and activations that make you want to visit a brand's home distillery after you taste with them.Then we go straight at the hot-button topics bourbon fans actually care about: barrel picks (around 30 this year), festival-only releases, and the hard truth of allocated bottles and long lines. We talk solutions like token systems, producing special festival bottles in enough volume to reduce frustration, and why responsible drinking has to be part of the plan for a three-day tasting marathon. If you're planning bourbon tourism, chasing a rare pour, or just curious how a major whiskey festival runs, this conversation gives you the real mechanics behind the magic.Subscribe for more bourbon stories, share this with your festival crew, and leave us a review so more whiskey fans can find the show. What's the one bottle or booth you'd build your weekend around? If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

In this episode, we're bringing you live, boots-on-the-ground coverage directly from the Pursuit Spirits booth at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. This action-packed compilation captures the energy, debates, and dynamic voices shaping modern whiskey culture. We kick off by tackling the push-and-pull between digital marketing, detailed tasting notes, and the essential trust built through live tastings. From there, we explore how fresh, diverse perspectives are breaking traditional industry molds, why balance and distillate quality beat arbitrary age statement numbers every time, and how tight-knit communities keep enthusiasts connected beyond the bottle. Plus, we throw down in a live debate comparing the innovation of craft distillers against the scale of heritage titans, and wrap up with a look at how social algorithms, hype, and online content creators drive today's bourbon market. Pour yourself a drink and experience the best of the festival floor with us! Show Notes: Live coverage directly from the Pursuit Spirits booth at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. The balance between digital marketing, detailed tasting notes, and building trust through live tastings. How fresh, diverse voices and perspectives are reshaping traditional whiskey culture. Why distillate quality and overall balance matter far more than age statements. The role of tight-knit communities in keeping whiskey enthusiasts connected beyond the bottle. A live debate comparing the innovation of craft distillers against the scale of heritage brands. How social media algorithms, hype, and online content creators drive today's bourbon market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kentucky Bourbon Festival is only weeks away, so this week we're opening one of our favourite festival finds. It's a Burton James Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon selected for Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and while we enjoy it we share our biggest tips for anyone making the trip to Bardstown. From avoiding queues and pacing yourself to taking notes, staying hydrated and making time to meet people, these are the things we've learned after several Kentucky Bourbon Festivals. If you're heading over this year, we hope these tips help you get even more out of an incredible weekend.  

Steve, Jeremy and Renee talk to Randy Prasse about what's going on at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The Bourbon Show music (Whiskey on the Mississippi) is by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).   Important Links: ABV Network Shop: https://shop.abvnetwork.com/ YouTube: https://bit.ly/3kAJZQz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theabvnetwork Check us out at: abvnetwork.com. Join the revolution by adding #ABVNetworkCrew to your profile on social media.

On this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt welcome back two returning favorites and some of the most respected educators in the bourbon world: Peggy Noe Stevens and Heather Wibbels. Peggy is the President of Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, a Master Bourbon Taster, and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Heather, known throughout the bourbon community as Cocktail Contessa, is a whiskey educator, author, and former Managing Director of Bourbon Women. Since their last appearances on the show, both Peggy and Heather have been busy educating, writing, speaking, and helping shape the future of bourbon culture. In this Episode, they share what they've been working on, discuss their respective books, and dive deep into a fascinating conversation about the ever-growing role of cocktails in the bourbon world. Together, they tackle topics including: What makes a truly great bourbon cocktail The myth that you shouldn't use good bourbon in cocktails How glassware and garnishes can completely transform the drinking experience Why cocktails continue to attract new consumers to bourbon The evolution of cocktail culture and its impact on bourbon's growth and popularity The conversation wraps up with a preview of their upcoming Kentucky Bourbon Festival experience, "3 Books + 3 Cocktails," where attendees will enjoy a unique blend of storytelling, bourbon education, literature, and cocktail craftsmanship. And for what may be a first in the history of The Bourbon Life Podcast, no bourbons were sampled or reviewed during this episode. Instead, the focus is entirely on education, storytelling, cocktails, and the people helping introduce new audiences to America's Native Spirit. Whether you're a neat-pour purist, a cocktail enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this Episode offers plenty of insights, laughs, and great stories from two of bourbon's most passionate educators and ambassadors.

Send us Fan MailIt's hard to believe a Kentucky that didn't have wild turkeys!  Not the Wild Turkey elixir but the beautiful animal. But that's just how it use to be! Thanks to the Wild Turkey Federation, and especially Kentucky's chapter, the population of wild turkeys has become at a level that is both healthy and maintained!The Bo Brothers had a chance to sit down with all around great guy Mike Kelty who serves as the Treasurer of the Kentucky Wild Turkey Federation to talk all things Turkey!!Not only did we talk about the preservation and other goals of the Wild Turkey Federation, we also talked about the huge 50th Anniversary of the Kentucky Wild Turkey Federation. This big celebration is highlighted by a humongous concert on August 22nd at the Amp at Log Still Distillery in New Haven, Kentucky featuring Country Music star and outdoorsman Craig Morgan!So take a listen to an incredible episode of 2 Shots, grab you a drink of your favorite bourbon and then get your tickets for the Craig Morgan show at Log Still celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Kentucky Wild Turkey Federation!https://www.facebook.com/groups/288170582570690 Bourbon Podcast Bo Brothers

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Alex Castle and Matt Grove to talk about how Augusta Distillery grows fast without losing its cask strength, unfiltered identity. We dig into the Ohio OHLQ collaboration, why the $59 small batch matters, and how meeting people in stores and at festivals turns shelf bottles into home bar staples. • why Augusta moves from single barrels into three to six barrel small batch while keeping a single barrel mindset • how the Ohio OHLQ custom small batch and Buckner's 13 release land with fans across the state • why cask strength and no dilution stay non-negotiable for the brand • the real work behind barrel picks, blending decisions, and building a balanced flavor profile • why pricing is part of trust, giving new drinkers a lower risk way to try Augusta • what “boots on the ground” tastings change for a brand in a crowded bourbon market • how Augusta's distillery experience keeps evolving, from tours to bottle your own to cocktails Whether you listen to us or you watch us, make sure you leave us good feedback. A $59 bourbon can sound like a compromise until you taste what Augusta Distillery is putting in the bottle. We're joined by master distiller Alex Castle and brand ambassador Matt Grove to unpack the thinking behind Augusta's cask strength small batch, built from six barrels and designed to drink with the same care you'd expect from a single barrel program. No dilution, unfiltered, and largely made from 7 to 9 year old bourbon, it's positioned as a real entry point for people who have stared at premium Buckner's bottles and thought, “I need to taste this before I bet that kind of money.”We also get into Augusta's Ohio push with OHLQ and what it's like taking the show on the road, hitting tastings across Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati at some truly weird hours, then finding lines of fans already waiting. If you know Ohio, you know the love for weeded bourbon runs deep, so we talk about the reception for Augusta's weeded single barrel and why face to face tastings still matter in a world of constant releases and crowded shelves.Along the way we swap festival stories, explain why barrel picking and blending is harder than it looks, and tease what Augusta is planning for Kentucky Bourbon Festival. If you're hunting bottles, planning a bourbon tourism trip, or just want a cask strength pour that overdelivers for the price, this conversation gives you the context and the practical tips. Subscribe, share this with a bourbon friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find the show. If You Have Gohsts voice over Whiskey ThiefSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Todd flies solo this week on The Bourbon Road, welcoming back Rick and Ricky Johnson of 15 Stars Bourbon for their third appearance on the show. The father-and-son team behind one of Kentucky's most decorated independent blending operations returns to walk through the newly revamped First West lineup — four expressions that mark a landmark moment for the brand: the first releases to feature whiskey distilled entirely by the 15 Stars team, including juice made from their proprietary heirloom corns. Rick and Ricky share the full origin story of why they got into the business, how a single black popcorn corn variety sparked the whole journey, and why patient, fully mature whiskey and obsessive flavor-proofing sit at the core of everything they do. The conversation covers the philosophy behind blending for the best possible flavor rather than chasing a predetermined profile, the surprisingly visual experience of fermenting black corn (picture a literal witch's brew), the distinct flavor contributions of red, white, blue, and black heirloom corns, and why filtration matters just as much as proof when it comes to mouthfeel. Rick teases a very limited, very old upcoming release and an exclusive cigar-blend expression set to debut at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival — and Todd can barely contain himself. On the Tasting Mat: - First West Explorer: A five-grain wheated bourbon blending 15 Stars' own six-year-old black corn mashbill (70% black corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley) with a five-year-old yellow corn mashbill (70% corn, 18% rye, 12% malted barley). Bottled at 95 proof and retailing around $49.99, this is the first 15 Stars release made entirely from juice they distilled themselves. Expect meringue-level dessert sweetness, buttery vanilla wafer, caramel corn, and a distinctive peppery finish that traces directly back to the black corn. *(00:12:57)* - First West Small Batch: A six-grain blend anchored by 15 Stars' proprietary red, white, and blue corn mashbill — all three distilled together — combined with two separate yellow corn bourbon mashbills. Maximum 25 barrels per batch, bottled at 102 proof and retailing around $59.99. The red, white, and blue corn entry sits at 103 proof into the barrel. Softer and more fruit-forward than the Explorer, with dark cherry pie, citrus lift, and rich caramel on the palate. *(00:26:27)* - First West Toasted Oak: Built on a base very similar to the Small Batch, then finished in two distinct toasted oak profiles simultaneously — 60% in a sweeter caramel-and-maple profile, 40% in a more oak-forward profile — before the two portions are recombined. Bottled at 98 proof and retailing around $69.99. The toast adds depth and richness without overwhelming the underlying bourbon character; the nose delivers a satisfying layered complexity of toasted wood and the fruit-forward notes of the base blend. *(00:39:13)* - First West Extra Aged: The only expression in the First West line without heirloom corns, and the only one featuring a high-malted-barley mashbill (at roughly 10% of the blend). A blend of three different eight- and nine-year-old bourbons, bottled at 110 proof (confirmed from label review). Retails around $79.99. The extra barrel time delivers elegance and softness: grain character has receded and rich barrel influence steps forward, with plum, dark stewed fruits, orange marmalade, and a full-bodied depth anchored by that malted barley accent. *(00:58:17)* First West is available at retail in approximately 20 states across the eastern United States, with select availability at the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery. All four expressions — and additional 15 Stars and Kentucky County releases — can be ordered online at 15stars.com with shipping to 43 states. Stay current with new releases and early announcements by signing up for Ricky's personal newsletter at the 15 Stars website, or follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram at @15StarsBourbon.

This week we break down what might be the oldest example of influencer/offer marketing ever! We get into why a thing you find on the ground beats a thing you're handed, how a tiny wearable pickle pin turned one million people

Send us Fan MailA barrel can be magic, or it can be ruined before it ever touches whiskey. We sit down with Macaulay Mitten (Dark Arts Whiskey House, aka The Bourbon Swami) to get painfully specific about what separates a memorable finish from a disaster: producer selection, barrel handling, shipping heat, and the kind of quality control most drinkers never see.We also crack open the America 250 release: an almost 11.5-year blend bottled at a hefty 128.28 proof. We talk about why blending at cask strength leaves nowhere to hide, how custom char and toast profiles can lift the flavors you want without dragging in bitterness, and what “bold” can taste like when it's built with intention. Expect notes and frameworks you can use the next time you're evaluating barrel proof bourbon, sherry cask finishing, or why proofing can change a brand's consistency.Then the conversation expands into what's next at the Whiskey House: patio upgrades, cigars and pairing strategy, a caviar and whiskey event, and the launch of Noble Arts for botanical spirits. Macaulay teases a navy strength gin designed for big oils and louche, absinthe experiments that could lead to absinthe-finished rye, and more one-off drops headed toward Kentucky Bourbon Festival, including a 19-year Mizunara-aged bourbon and other serious “eat lunch first” pours.Subscribe for more deep whiskey nerd conversations, share this with a friend who loves finishes, and leave us a five-star review if you want more guests who get into the real details.We catch up with Macaulay Mitten and talk through how Dark Arts turns sourced barrels into distinctive, high-impact blends with real control over finishing and flavor. We taste and break down the America 250 release, then zoom out into barrel quality, honey finishes, and the next wave of botanical spirits coming from Noble Arts.  • America 250 limited five-barrel run details, presale hiccups, Tuesday online allocation  • What Oloroso sherry finishing adds, why producer and sweetness level matter  • Barrel sourcing realities, shipping heat, spoilage risks, rejecting bad casks  • Blending at cask strength vs proofing down, consistency and complexity trade-offs  • Custom toast and char profiles per barrel to preserve and elevate core notes  • Tasting notes and why high proof does not have to drink hot  • Rye and Scotch palate talk, peat as a palate wrecker, mezcal appreciation  • Whiskey House updates, patio build-out, cigar plans and pairing strategy  • Caviar and whiskey event tease and what makes a pairing work  • Noble Arts roadmap, botanical library, navy strength gin, absinthe experiments, vodka base  • Honey barrel finish process, waiting list demand, filtration choices and haze  • Sweet and sour mash blend concept and trademark approach  • Old whiskey sourcing, 19-year Mizunara tease, avoiding tannic over-oaked barrels  • Philosophy on intent and energy in blending, why “bad whiskey” is often just preference  darkartswhiskey.com on the bottle shop tab there  Make sure that you leave good feedback, five-star reviews, everything like that  And also on YouTube, become a member and then consistently, like Kirk does, leave us with super chatsvoice over Whiskey Thief If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan MailWhat an episode of 2 Shots on a Barrel!  Coal Pick Distillery's Whitney Spence and Independent Stave Company's Chad Spalding join the Bo Brothers for another remote episode from Good Buddies Brewery to talk about Good Buddies bourbon of the month -- Coal Pick Distillery out of Paradis Kentucky.  Western Kentucky y'all!  The Paradise Kentucky that John Prine sang about.  And let me just tell you, Coal Pick puts out some fantastic juice!  Not just one but four different selections will be at Good Buddies this month so go check it out.  Also, we had so much fun hanging out with Whitney and Chad that we had to split up this conversation into two episodes of 2 Shots.  So sit back, relax, and join in on the banter on 2 Shots on a Barrel!https://www.facebook.com/groups/288170582570690 Bourbon Podcast Bo Brothers

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 29th 2026. New updates happening in the Uncle Nearest case, Wild Turkey brings back the Cheesy Gold Foil, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is going to Mars.Show Notes: A federal judge has expanded Uncle Nearest's receivership to investigate a secret $20 million loan from Jay-Z's firm. Blending pioneer Nancy Fraley is retiring from Jos. A. Magnus & Co., leaving her legacy with Head Distiller Will Fabry. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival introduces a secure, face-value official ticket resale platform via TIXR. Filmland Spirits releases The Crimson Cask, a 90-proof noir-inspired bourbon exclusive to Kentucky. Blue Run Spirits collaborates with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a limited-edition 111-proof bourbon. Evan Williams launches officially licensed America250 commemorative whiskeys, donating $75,000 to Folds of Honor. Titanic Hotel Belfast partners with Titanic Distillery to launch an exclusive historic Quarter experience package. Heaven Hill designates its 2026 Grain to Glass lineup as the "Year of Wheat" across three limited expressions. Remus Bourbon introduces the Lou Gehrig Reserve, donating proceeds to the Live Like Lou ALS charity. Shortbarrel announces the return of Sapsquatch Bourbon, utilizing a unique two-stage maple finishing method. Bradshaw Bourbon rolls out personalized engraved gift sets for Father's Day through late June. Heaven Hill releases a 10-year-old Rittenhouse Rye commemorative edition for America's 250th anniversary. Buffalo Trace revives Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain and Cured Oak expressions for May 2026. Veteran-owned Four Branches Bourbon debuts Liberty Reserve to honor America's Semiquincentennial anniversary. Proof & Wood announces Tumblin' Dice 13-Year Rye, featuring a 95% rye mashbill at barrel proof. 15 STARS debuts First West Explorer, its first bourbon crafted from 100% in-house black corn distillate. Garrison Brothers launches the Ranch Reserve Series featuring PX and Oloroso sherry cask-finished Texas bourbons. Wild Turkey introduces the Austin Nichols Archives series, debuting with a 16-year-old "Cheesy Gold Foil" tribute. Bardstown Bourbon Company debuts a first-of-its-kind Japanese Single Malt co-aged blend with Hombo Shuzo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the Kentucky Bourbon Festival with Randy Prasse

Steve and Jeremy talk to Randy Prasse of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The Bourbon Show music (Whiskey on the Mississippi) is by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).   Important Links: ABV Network Shop: https://shop.abvnetwork.com/ YouTube: https://bit.ly/3kAJZQz Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theabvnetwork Check us out at: abvnetwork.com. Join the revolution by adding #ABVNetworkCrew to your profile on social media.

Send us Fan MailWe talk with Randy Prasse about why the Kentucky Bourbon Festival keeps selling out faster and how the team protects the general admission experience while still offering real VIP comfort. We get into the unglamorous details that make the weekend work, from gate flow and bottle lines to add-ons, education, and what is new for this year. • tickets selling out and what the “sold out” numbers really mean • why KBF prioritises GA first and keeps VIP co-mingling • how COVID shaped the fenced footprint and current festival model • distilleries upgrading tents, decor, and interactive activations • bottle lines, sampling lines, and better cutoff communication • entry gate fairness and adding a second GA gate • featured distillery spotlight on New Riff • new speakeasy style upgrades and small suite concepts • cigar lounge ambitions and why it is polarising • add-ons timing, lockers, shuttles, and premium education options • bourbon tourism impact for Bardstown and repeat visitors www.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys, merchandise, Glenn Cairns, everything Drink responsibly, don't drink and drive, and go out and live your life uncut and unfiltered Tickets vanish in a day and suddenly the Kentucky Bourbon Festival becomes a planning sport. We sit down with festival director Randy Prasse to unpack how KBF in Bardstown earned that demand, what actually changed after COVID, and why the smartest design choice is surprisingly simple: build the general admission experience first, then let VIP be a comfort upgrade without splitting the crowd into two different festivals. If you care about bourbon culture, bourbon tourism, and how the best whiskey events stay authentic at scale, this conversation delivers the blueprint.  We get specific about the stuff that makes or breaks a bourbon festival weekend: bottle lines, sampling lines, communicating inventory before people waste an hour, and improving gate flow so “fairness” is more than a slogan. Randy explains why capacity hasn't quietly ballooned even when it feels tighter, how distilleries have expanded their footprints, and why the festival pushes brands to bring real engagement instead of a generic pour-and-smile setup. We also talk featured distillery New Riff, the “new product launch” energy KBF is aiming for, and the behind-the-scenes team dynamics that keep the whole thing running.  Then we look forward. Randy shares what's new, including a speakeasy style upgrade that works like a mini VIP, potential corporate hospitality suites, and the expanding menu of add-ons like education sessions, cocktail and culinary experiences, lockers, and shuttles. If you're trying to do KBF the right way, you'll leave with a clearer plan and a better sense of what to prioritise. Subscribe, share this with your bourbon crew, and leave us a review, what's the one festival change you'd make first? Add for SOFL If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

In this episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark and Matt sit down with Randy Prasse, President & COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, for a great conversation about one of the premier bourbon events in the world and what's ahead for the Festival. Across three segments, the guys dive into Randy's background, how he found his way into the bourbon industry, and what it takes to help lead and evolve an event as iconic as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Randy shares insights into the vision for the Festival, how it continues to grow, and what bourbon fans can expect moving forward. The conversation blends industry insight with plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes perspective, and the kind of easygoing camaraderie that makes these episodes feel like you're right there at the table. As always, they also taste and review three outstanding pours: ·         New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon ·         New Riff 8-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Bourbon ·         New Riff 6-Year-Old Malted Rye From thoughtful discussion about the evolution of bourbon culture to honest reviews of what's in the glass, this episode delivers a great mix of information and entertainment for bourbon fans of all levels. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and enjoy this episode with Randy Prasse.

Send us Fan MailWe dig into why 375ml bourbon bottles are suddenly everywhere and what that shift means for prices, access, and trying new whiskey without committing to a full bottle. Along the way we swap festival stories, call out standout distillery releases, and make the case for half bottles as the ultimate share-friendly format. • New Orleans Bourbon Festival highlights, logistics and surprise moments • Makers Mark barrel pick timeline and how releases get coordinated • Why 375ml bottles help with rising bourbon costs and buyer hesitation • How allocated and limited releases reach more people in half bottles • Pocketable sharing bottles, travel wins and shelf-space reality • Standout examples from Woodford, Old Forester 117, Jim Beam experimental series and Bardstown Cathedral • Whether 375s feel special when the same whiskey exists in 750ml • The business tradeoffs of more bottles, more corks and higher per-ounce pricing • Comparing festival strategies, booth lines and bottle hunting expectations Let us know what your thought is on 375s. Leave a comment before before, thumbs up, thumbs down, you know Half bottles are making big waves in bourbon, and we have questions. When a distillery drops a 375ml instead of a 750ml, is that a sneaky way to charge more per ounce, or the smartest way to help more people actually taste the good stuff? We talk through the real-world math, the collector mindset, and the simple truth that most of us want variety without turning our home bar into a storage unit.I'm joined by Matt from Cleveland On The Rocks, and we connect the 375ml trend to what we're seeing at distilleries and bourbon festivals. We revisit the New Orleans Bourbon Festival experience, including how the layout, food, and producer access changes the whole weekend, then compare it to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival reality of booth lines and timed bottle drops. If you've ever planned a trip around an allocated release, you'll recognize the strategy behind smaller formats.Then we get specific: Old Forester 117 series, Woodford gift shop releases, Jim Beam's experimental 375s, and the kind of special story-driven bottles that feel tailor-made for the half-bottle format. We also dig into why 375ml bottles can be the best “try before you commit” move for rum finishes, honey finishes, and other experiments, plus why they are built for sharing and traveling.If you're curious whether 375ml bourbon is a trend or the future of limited releases, hit play and weigh in. Subscribe, share the show with a bourbon friend, and leave a review with your take on half bottles. Add for SOFL If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.comThe Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world    https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail2 Shots went on the road to Good Buddies Brewing Company and were joined by two of the owners of upstart 19th Hole Bourbon!  Kansas bourbon entrepreneurs Richie Alexander and Sean Davenport were in the Bluegrass state and before a great crowd at Good Buddies told us about their spirit built around camaraderie and tradition of '19th Hole' bourbon.  It's all about the juice and let me just tell you this ... their brand blends smooth, approachable bourbon with a lifestyle centered on connection, conversation, and celebrating the moments that happen after the game or whatever magical event in life.  Richie and Sean tell us about how it all started, what sets their bourbon apart and the vision they have for '19th Hole' bourbon moving forward.  So, sit back for a fun filled episode of 2 Shots on a Barrel.  After you listen, check out www.19thholebourbon.com to order your bottle and come visit Good Buddies Brewing Company where this special juice will be the bourbon of the month in April!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/288170582570690 Bourbon Podcast Bo Brothers

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 20th 2026. Uncle Nearest Saga has taken a wild twist, Kentucky Bourbon Festival has announced ticket sale dates, and Bardstown Bourbon Company will release its Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish.Show Notes: Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and countersues lender for $529M Court receiver moves to block Uncle Nearest bankruptcy filing and seeks $75K in sanctions Judge stays $2.6M sale of Uncle Nearest Martha's Vineyard property pending independent appraisals Chicken Cock Whiskey rebrands Louisville speakeasy as “The Coupe” with grand opening March 26 Kentucky Bourbon Festival 35th anniversary tickets go on sale April 14 for September event Lux Row Distillers debuts Lux Row Estate Bourbon featuring corn grown on-site Evan Williams adds 65-proof Blackberry expression to its nationwide flavored whiskey portfolio Barrell Craft Spirits introduces multi-cask finished Barrell Cigar Blend Bourbon for $85 Augusta Distillery launches cask-strength Small Batch and Wheated Single Barrel expressions Blue Note Bourbon reveals 2026 Special Reserve featuring a nine-cask finish blend Booker's Bourbon kicks off 2026 with 129.1-proof "Big Easy" Batch Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils Distillery Reserve Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textWe sit down with Log Still's Wally Dent at Kentucky Bourbon Festival to talk festival evolution, bottle buyers and flippers, and how a modern distillery builds fans for life. From a 2,500-seat amphitheater and B&Bs to a Louisville steakhouse and the Remington 1860 collaboration, we cover brand, blend, and the business behind the bottle.• how festival improvements changed buyer behavior• exclusives, flippers, and the value of time• building hype versus delivering real experience• distribution hurdles and state tasting rules• Log Still's 1860 roots and campus highlights• creating on-ramps via tours, trains, and stays• Louisville tasting room and fine dining play• market cooldown, THC competition, and pricing• Remington 1860 blend, story, and use case• community moments with historic dusty pours• Kentucky policy support and trail tourism• safety, gratitude, and staying fan-focusedwww.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things boysLike us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, XListen to us on Apple, iHeart, and SpotifyGood bourbon equals good times and good friendsMake sure you don't drink and drive and drink responsiblyLive your life uncut and unfilteredThe lines are longer, the bottles rarer, and the stakes higher—so how do you turn festival frenzy into lifelong fans? We sit down with Log Still Distillery's Wally Dent at Kentucky Bourbon Festival to unpack the new bourbon reality: smarter line management, a surge of bottle buyers, and the unavoidable presence of flippers. Wally doesn't sugarcoat the economics, but he makes a compelling case for where the real value lives—memorable experiences that outlast hype and bring people back.We explore Log Still's unique edge: a heritage that reaches to 1860 and a modern, hospitality-first campus built for discovery. Think a 2,500-seat amphitheater, bed-and-breakfast stays, a lake, chapel, train rides from New Haven, and a tasting room with a fine dining steakhouse on Louisville's Whiskey Row. That ecosystem transforms a quick visit into a ritual. It's brand building where memory, not marketing spin, does the heavy lifting.Wally takes us behind the shelf wars too—tight distribution, state-by-state tasting rules, and a beverage alcohol market cooling at the edges while whiskey and tequila hold. He shares why breaking through with a new label is harder than it looks, how discovery programs matter, and why recognition wins. That's where the Remington 1860 collaboration comes in: a mid-$30s, six-year-forward blend designed for hunt clubs and campfires, with a back label that lets you log the day. It's a bottle that feels familiar, drinks beautifully, and invites repeat buys without the drama of a lottery line.Along the way, we raise a glass to community moments—like pouring a 1938-distilled, 1946-bottled-in-bond dusty for tour guests—and acknowledge Kentucky's policy support that keeps the trail thriving. If you care about bourbon beyond the chase, this conversation delivers: practical strategies for brand growth, honest talk about exclusives and flippers, and a fresh look at how experiences turn casual sippers into advocates. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the hunt, and leave a review telling us your smartest takeaway from Wally's playbook.Add for SOFL If You Have GohstsSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.com The Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us a textWe set up outside Revival Vintage Spirits and dive into how dusties drink differently, why the bar's pour sizes encourage smarter tasting, and what it means to make rare bottles accessible without the velvet rope. A 1992 Maker's Mark goes head to head with a current bottle, a basement trove of 1946 Dowling surfaces, and plans for Bourbon Festival week unfold with an open invite to join the afterparty.• moving from 600 to 8,000 square feet with a two-floor concept• daily deals, quarter-ounce and half-ounce pours, fair pricing• Maker's Mark 1992 versus modern tasting insights• mellow profiles in dusties versus sharpness in newer releases• try-before-you-buy upstairs bottle shop model• Dowling 1946 discovery story and historical sourcing• Covington's bar ecosystem and community-first mindset• afterparty plans during Kentucky Bourbon Festival• changing Kentucky's vintage spirits law to expand access• how to follow updates on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTokMake sure that you like, listen, and subscribe. Check us out Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and also on the podcast formats of Apple, iHeart and Spotify. Make sure that you drink responsibly, don't drink and drive.A sidewalk setup, cigars in hand, and a bar that treats history like something you can actually sip—tonight we camp out at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington with Brad Bond and the crew to explore why old whiskey often drinks softer, where rare bottles hide in plain sight, and how to taste like a billionaire without paying like one. We go from a 600-square-foot origin story to an 8,000-square-foot playground split between a downstairs bar and an upstairs bottle shop, then roll straight into a side-by-side Maker's Mark comparison: a 1992 “old style sour mash” versus a current bottle. Expect talk of vanilla, butterscotch, proof, and the surprising ways production choices from the 80s and 90s shape what's in your glass today.The night's big reveal is part treasure hunt, part time capsule. A judge buys a century-old house in Maysville and finds a room under the stairs stuffed with spirits, including fourteen Dowling bottles distilled in 1941 and bottled in 1946. Brad breaks down the brand's lineage, Louisville sourcing, and Bardstown bottling, then pours the proof at the bar so you can taste before you buy—no museum vibes, no velvet rope. We also talk quarter-ounce pours, vintage cocktails, and a membership that lets fans cherry-pick new arrivals before they hit the floor.All of this leads to a bigger mission: making vintage spirits accessible. Revival posts daily deals on Instagram and Facebook, welcomes beer and wine drinkers, and collaborates with neighboring bars to keep the scene thriving. There's a Kentucky Bourbon Festival panel on the calendar and an open invite to an afterparty in Elizabethtown, where a 1966 Old Forester will make a cameo. If you've ever wondered whether dusties are worth the chase—or just want a smarter way to explore—pull up a chair and taste along with us.Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves whiskey, and leave a quick review so more folks can find the show.If You Have Gohsts voice over Whiskey Thief Add for SOFLSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.com The Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Gavin Linde welcomed Brandon Smith, the National Brand Activation Manager for Lofted Spirits, shared their professional background and their introduction to whiskey, emphasizing the importance of memories and friendships in whiskey appreciation. They discussed the evolution of the whiskey industry, Bardstown Bourbon Company's unique approach, and the collaborative and innovative culture within the company, culminating in a discussion of the current state and future of the whiskey industry, including the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and specific Bardstown releases.

Send us a textWe sit down inside the hidden speakeasy at the Trail Hotel in Bardstown to taste the house bourbon and rye, tour the amenities, and map out Kentucky Bourbon Festival's President's Club experiences. Heritage, hospitality, and smart design turn a former Holiday Inn into a bourbon lover's basecamp.• location across from Preservation and minutes from Heaven Hill• boutique flip with private patios and enclosed courtyards• oxygen bar, cryotherapy, sauna and IV therapy for recovery• Trail Hotel Bourbon by Green River, 103 proof, 6 years, wheated• flavor notes of honey, dried fruit, light tobacco and grape seed• Trail Hotel Rye 95/5 at 103 proof with pear and apricot• speakeasy access by invite with vintage spirits library• President's Club tastings and releases during KBF• local bars and bottle shops offering try-before-you-buy• Bardstown history from Jesse James to Lincoln's rootswww.scotchybourbonboys.com for all things Scotchy Bourbon Boys. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X, also on Apple, iHeart, and Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts or watch, make sure that you like and subscribe and leave us the feedback. Remember good bourbon equals good times with good friends. Make sure you drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. Live your life uncut and unfiltered.Slip behind a painting into Bardstown's hidden speakeasy and meet the team behind the Trail Hotel, a boutique stay built for bourbon lovers. We sit with the beverage director Mal Ramos to trace how a dusty Holiday Inn became a destination: the lobby flipped into a vibrant dining hall, a kitchen relocated to power service across every public space, and safety-first courtyards that feel private, quiet, and secure. Just outside the door, Preservation Distillery sits across the street, with Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark, and Jim Beam all within easy reach—giving you a launchpad for the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail.We pour the hotel's own labels and dig into the details. First up: Trail Hotel Bourbon, a six-year Green River wheated small batch at 103 proof, showing honey, dried fruit, light tobacco, and that satisfying grape-seed grip. Then we explore the house rye, a 95/5 Bardstown Bourbon Company distillate at the same proof, leaning into pear, passion fruit, and a gentle Kentucky hug. From there, the conversation turns to cocktails—why a honey old fashioned with black walnut bitters sings with the bourbon, how a gold rush bridges classic and modern, and what a curated vintage backbar can teach your palate about time and terroir.Festival week amplifies everything. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival's President's Club experience brings private tastings, unreleased barrels, small-batch drops, and brand activations poolside. The Trail Hotel opens its speakeasy for VIPs and invites curious listeners to earn an entry by asking for the beverage director or bourbon steward at dinner. Beyond the glass, we wander Bardstown's deeper story—Jesse James lore, Civil War echoes, Lincoln's birthplace a short drive away—and show how heritage fuels today's hospitality.If you love bourbon, travel, and the art of a well-made cocktail, this is your roadmap to Bardstown's most immersive stay. Hit follow, share with a friend planning a trail trip, and leave a quick review to tell us which pour you'd try first.If You Have Gohsts voice over Whiskey Thief Add for SOFLSupport the showhttps://www.scotchybourbonboys.com The Scotchy bourbon Boys are #3 in Feedspots Top 60 whiskey podcasts in the world https://podcast.feedspot.com/whiskey_podcasts/

Send us a textThe crew hit the road for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and brought the mics with them. What started as a travel nightmare turned into a weekend packed with top-tier whiskey, deep convos, unexpected laughs, and unforgettable connections. From pulling up to Blue Run's pool party straight from the airport to sipping rare pours from Dark Arts, Old Louisville, and Preservation, the team recaps all the chaos, community, and craft.You'll hear reflections on navigating the festival as media for the first time, interviews with distillers like Eastern Light and ThatOneDudeRyan, and behind-the-scenes gems from the media tent to the afterparties. Whether it's the panel on whiskey perspectives outside Kentucky or the crowd dropping unexpected whiskey bars, this episode is a full pour of what makes the whiskey community special.Tap in for the pours, the stories, and the bourbon-fueled brotherhood.

Send us a textA hiking-and-biking escape on Lake Superior collides with a neon-lit Vegas weekend—and it all funnels into a glass of Widow Jane Vaults 2024. We open with two very different trips that reveal how our tastes and habits have evolved: early mornings over late nights and a sportsbook booth that turns 50 screens into a day-long living room. That perspective sets up a timely shift into the fall whiskey calendar, where the shelves swell, rumors fly, and the chase begins: Buffalo Trace Antique Collection specs, Pappy drops, King of Kentucky whispers, and the finding time for Kentucky Bourbon Festival next year.Then we roll up our sleeves for a focused pour. Widow Jane Vaults 2024 blends well-aged Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee bourbon and finishes it in Brazilian oak (amburana), clocking in at 99 proof with a premium $250 tag. We break down what an amburana wood cask brings—baking spice, liqueur-like sweetness, darker cocoa threads—and how that finish can dominate the experience. On the nose we find dried fruit and amaretto hints; on the palate a quick burst of caramelized sweetness gives way to a long, assertive spice and nuttiness. One of us loves the richness and length; the other wants more evolution at the end. Our verdict: a compelling pour for the curious, a cautious bottle buy unless wood-forward finishes are your thing.Along the way, we trade practical tips for navigating release season, from spotting value on crowded shelves to deciding when to pay up for age and when to pass. If your heart lives with classic profiles from Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark, or Old Forester, consider this a creative detour. If you chase distinctive finishes and limited series, this might be your fall splurge. Either way, we keep it honest, grounded, and fun—because the best part of whiskey is still who you share it with.If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite fall release and whether you'd buy or just try the Widow Jane Vaults.

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 bottlings, and unique finishes that bring character without breaking the bank. Listeners will hear their top picks for sub-$50 Bourbons that offer strong quality-to-value ratios, along with recommendations for bottles that deliver both flavor and accessibility. Finally, Jake and Scott invite feedback from listeners: What are your go-to Kentucky Bourbons under $50? Send us your recommendations and join the conversation as we continue to explore the best bottles for every Bourbon lover's shelf. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review. We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast. You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more. Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com. Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens   Note: Cover Art AI Generated

Louisville's fall music festivals are bigger than ever — but is that a good thing or not?We discuss that question this week on the Access Louisville podcast. Danny Wimmer Presents' two annual festivals at the Kentucky Exposition Center — Bourbon & Beyond (Sept. 11-14) and Louder Than Life (Sept. 18-21) — look a lot different this year. The festivals now have 2.4 million square feet of space. They also utilize some indoor space at the Expo Center for merchandise sales, cooling off and bathrooms.Going in, we admit we had our worries. The Expo Center is massive and there's a lot of concrete that can hold in heat. On the show we give our takes on how the first leg of the two consecutive festivals went. We recorded this show on Thursday, Sept. 18, just hours before Louder Than Life was to start, so we couldn't weigh in on that one just yet. We also talk about how the festival experience was — everything from the sound mix to the artists we watched. Later in the show we shift from music to bourbon with Reporter Stephen P. Schmidt telling us about his recent visit to Bardstown, Kentucky for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. He talked about how a change in the footprint of that festival changed the experience. While he was in Bardstown, Schmidt also visited a new tasting room for Old SteelHouse Distillery. And, around the same time, he visited Heaven Hill Distilleries brand new office. Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Master's Keep series from Wild Turkey has been an annual release that we look forward to. This is why we were surprised to learn that the most recent release, Beacon, will be the last in the series. Beacon is meticulously blended 10 and 16 year old barrels from different places on the Wild Turkey campus. The blend showcases distillate from father and son and this is the first time that a Master's Keep bottle has included Bruce Russell. Did Wild Turkey save the best for last? You'll have to give us a listen to find out. In this episode we talk Kentucky Bourbon Festival and a lot of turkey. We also talk about recent barrel picks and upcoming releases of our picks. --------------------------SocialsIG: https://www.instagram.com/themashupkyFB: https://www.facebook.com/themashupkyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themashupkyJoin our community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheMashUpBourbonPodcastPartnership(s)Visit Bourbonoutfitter.com and enter code THEMASHUP for a special discount or visit bourbonoutfitter.com/THEMASHUPVisit https://woodworkcollective.shop and enter code MASHUP for a 15% discount on your orderMusic: All the Fixings by Zachariah HickmanThank you so much for listening!

Another year, another festival recap! In this episode of Behind the Pursuit, we share our takeaways from the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We dive into how our booth placement shaped the weekend, the activations we brought to the event (and a few others that caught our eye), and the trends we noticed across the festival floor. We also talk about the reception to our expanding lineup, from Cognac Rye to the Mellwood Collection, plus where we see room to keep pushing limited expressions to meet growing demand. All that and more in this year's festival wrap-up! We hit on: 00:00 Welcome and Festival Recap 03:24 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Highlights 10:21 Sales and Community Engagement 17:31 Brand Observations and Future Trends 24:07 Exploring Craft Bourbon and Flagship Expressions 27:54 Consumer Experience and VIP Access at Bourbon Fest 30:45 Festival Layout and Vendor Interaction 34:20 New Releases and Trends in Bourbon 39:02 Accessibility and Consumer Preferences in Bourbon and much more. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you'll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you'll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn't just a membership—it's your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Come and see us at 722 W. Main Street! Be sure to visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 in Bardstown. If you're curious about how these two bottled-in-bond bourbons stack up—or if you just love celebrating all things bourbon in September—this episode is a must-listen. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review. We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast. You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more. Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com. Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens Image Credit: Heaven Hill Brands

This week, we're in Bardstown, Kentucky for the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which brings together more than 6,000 whiskey lovers from around the world. We'll hear from several of the master distillers on hand, including Maker's Mark's Dr. Blake Layfield and Craig Beam of Jackson Purchase Distillery. In the news, Heaven Hill officially dedicated its $200 million Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown on Thursday, marking one of the largest-ever investments in Bourbon production. Suntory's CEO has resigned in a scandal over supplements, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford is blasting Diageo's decision to close a Crown Royal bottling plant in his province. 

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, The Bourbon Life Crew (minus Chad) spend some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios, sharing some great conversation and great pours. The Crew talk about the recent litigation involving Uncle Nearest and what that might mean for the brand and the owners moving forward, some of the newer Bourbon experiences that have opened in Louisville and how Lexington might be able to improve its overall Bourbon tourism, and this year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival which is just one week away. They also taste and review the new 8-year old Beam Bowling Pin Bourbon, the 2025 Bomberger's Declaration release from Michter's, and a special, yet to be released expression from Dark Arts featuring a blend of 16-year old Buff Turkey (to be released at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival). This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co. Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:  www.threechordbourbon.com www.visitthekitchentable.com  

It's This Week in Bourbon for August 22th 2025. Four Roses Distillery is releasing its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, Old Forester is releasing its most anticipated annual whisky: Birthday Bourbon, and The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is releasing a limited-edition Beam Pin Bottle.Show Notes: Evan Williams Bourbon expands its college partnerships with three new schools and ESPN reporter Molly McGrath as its new brand ambassador. The Kentucky Distillers' Association will host its second annual World Bourbon Toast live from the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. Knob Creek is teaming up with Eli Manning for the return of its Bold Picks campaign, along with a limited-edition single barrel cask strength bourbon. Buzzard's Roost Distillery is releasing a new 6-year-old, 105-proof Cigar Blend Bourbon just in time for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Four Roses Distillery is releasing its 2025 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, a blend of four recipes aged up to 19 years. Single Cask Nation is releasing three new American whiskey expressions from New York Distilling, Balcones, and Cedar Ridge. Woodford Reserve is introducing a new 12-Year-Old American Single Malt Whiskey as part of its limited Distillery Series. Old Forester is releasing its 2025 Birthday Bourbon, a 12-year-old expression created with a sweet mash process for the first time. Chicken Cock Whiskey is launching Miller's Reserve American Whiskey, a limited-edition blend of four 8-10-year-old whiskeys. Larrikin Bourbon Co. will debut its new “Cigar Lounge” 9-year-old bourbon finished in five different barrels at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Old Dominick Distillery is launching its 8-Year Reserve Bourbon, an expression as old as the distillery itself. James B. Beam Distilling Co. is celebrating its 230th Anniversary with a new limited-edition Beam Pin Bottle. Remus Bourbon is releasing Repeal Reserve Series IX, a rare blend of bourbons aged between 10 and 18 years, at the series' highest-ever proof. Blue Run Spirits is releasing Glimmer, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in gin barrels. Michter's will release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash Whiskey, continuing its series of toasted barrel whiskeys. Maker's Mark announces the 2025 release of Cellar Aged, blending 11-, 13-, and 14-year-old bourbon aged to taste. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark is flying solo in the Bourbon Life Studios spending some time hanging out with his good friend, the President and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Randy Prasse. This is Randy's 4th appearance on the Podcast making him one of only 4 guests to ever appear on The Bourbon Life Podcast 4 times. Mark and Randy talk about this year's upcoming 34th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival going on September 5th -7th in Bardstown, KY and all of the exciting changes attendees for this year's event can expect, the incredible barrel picks that the Kentucky Bourbon Festival team has picked this year and how you can purchase your own bottles and maybe even win a collection of all of them too through this year's raffle with tickets available onsite at the Festival, and they also look forward to next year's Kentucky Bourbon Festival with a sneak peak of some things that you need to be on the lookout for. They also sip on Angel's Envy during this Episode in honor of Angel's Envy being this year's featured distillery of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.   This Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast is sponsored by Three Chord Bourbon and The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distilling Co. Check out all of our amazing sponsors online at:  www.threechordbourbon.com www.visitthekitchentable.com

We're back with Day 2 of Between Two Barrels from the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Kicking off day 2 is Chris Chapanar of Whiskey Noobs telling us what you should be paying for bottles, then it's Chad and Sara of It's Bourbon Night on how to make cocktails easy at home, next is TJ of Brewzle who says the three tier system is destroying craft distilleries, Frank Dobbins who writes for UPROXX gives insight into how many bourbons are all derived from a single mashbill, and we wrap up the day with Jack Beguedou, the Hood Sommeilier, who will take us on a sensory experience. It was a special moment for us to host this event with everyone at KBF and now the planning has started for a completely new format we're bringing to the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Fest. Show Notes: Chris Chapanar @whiskey_noobs - The Price is Right… Sometimes Chad and Sara @itsbourbonnight - Making Cocktails Easy TJ Gamble @brewzle - Why are we trying to kill craft whiskey distilleries? Frank Dobbins @bourbyourenthusiasm - From One Mash Bill Many Bourbons Are Born Jack Beguedou @hood_sommelier - SPICES AND WHISKEY: A sensory experience Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we ran an activation at the Pursuit Spirits area called Between Two Barrels which featured lightening talks from people who you probably already follow on different social media platforms. The topic was up to them and they had anywhere between 5-15 minutes to speak freely on whatever they wanted. We ran this activation for two days with 5 session on each day and have broken this up into two different releases. This first day features Chris Blatner known at the Urban Bourbonist talking about session cocktails, Jacob Kiper from Coming Whiskey with the origins of the three tier system, Mark Rucker of The Bourbon Life discussing how to turn a passion into a way of life, Tyler Zoller of Louisville Bourbon Buzz gives tips on whiskey content creation, and we wrap up day 1 with Heather Wibbels known as the Cocktail Contessa, telling us how to select the perfect bourbon for your cocktail. Show Notes: Chris Blatner @urbanbourbonist - Drinking Less While Still Drinking Jacob Kiper @comingwhiskey - Origins of the 3 tier system of distribution Mark Rucker @the_bourbon_life - Turning A Passion Into a Way of Life Tyler Zoller @louisvillebourbonbuzz - Whiskey Content Creation 101 Heather Wibbels @cocktail_contessa - Selecting the Perfect Bourbon for Your Cocktail Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 2nd, 2025. National Bourbon Week in Bardstown releases event schedule, Derby Week insider announcements from Brown Forman, and Star Trek Spirits and Stellum collaborate on new whiskeys.Show Notes: Brown Forman changes President's Choice and New Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye. Kentucky Bourbon Festival weekend passes are sold out. National Bourbon Week announces full event schedule, June 9-15, 2025. Oaklore Distilling Co. releases Oaklore Four Grain Bourbon nationwide, 92 proof, $69.99. WOODINVILLE WHISKEY releases Tequila Finish Bourbon, 100 proof, $69.99. Quest's End Whiskey unveils Quest's End Druid, rum & vermouth finish, $149.99. Star Trek Spirits & Stellum Spirits release limited edition Romulan whiskeys, $79 each. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're probably reading the title to this podcast going, what? a podcast from 2018? Yes, this is a never before aired episode that Ryan and I recorded at Bourbon Bonanza back in 2018. So here's the story. Bourbon Bonanza was an offshoot event that would happen during Kentucky Bourbon Festival but wasn't associated with the festival. It was tied in with Willett so there were a lot of influential people at the time that came to this event. Ryan and I took our equipment, plus our very first release of Pursuit Series, into what was Harrison-Smith House at the time which is now the new Chicken Cock visitor center and we sat down with Bill Thomas of Jack Rose in Washington DC and Mike Miller of Delilah's in Chicago, who still to this day run the most successful whiskey bars in the country. There is also a small appearance by Tatsumi at the very end and you will hear his story as a part of this episode. The sound environment was challenging and I wasn't happy with how the audio turned out. Let's fast forward almost 7 years and audio cleanup software has gotten so good that it's now time to release it. We talk about the festival, barrel picks, community, and trends they were seeing at the time. So here you go, a blast from the past with an unreleased archive episode. Show Notes: Bourbon Bonanza Festival Highlights Bourbon Culture Transformation Community Building in Bourbon Enjoyment vs. Investment in Collecting Personal Whiskey Memories New Distillery Discoveries Insights on Barrel Picks Trends in the Bourbon Market Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices