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
2 thoughts on “TWiB: National Bourbon Week Events, Changes President’s Choice and Woodford, Star Trek Spirits and Stellum Collaborate”
On the issue of proof, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Reflecting on my whiskey journey, I feel like it is a bell curve. In the beginning, lower proof bourbon was preferred as I got my feet under me in trying, tasting and understanding types and profiles. Then gravitating to high proof labels because of flavor profiles and the social element of “putting some hair on my chest.” But as I’ve gotten older, (I’m now 52), I understand Jimmy Russell and that generation better. I find I prefer 90-105 proof. In bourbons, “low and old” has become my motto. Older in age, and lower in proof. Russell’s Reserve 10 might be one of the five best daily sippers out there, for this reason, in my opinion. As such, it’s probably why I have become such a Michterstan. Low proof into barrel. Bottled lower. Tremendous flavor profiles. Luxurious. But I still like some high proof juice like Stagg (Jr) because it drinks so much lower and delivers a depth of flavors rarely seen.
I’d be curious if others find this to be true on their whiskey journey. What does market profiling tell us? We get older, we like our bourbon older and lower proof?
As the whiskey buyer ages (on average) is this a smart business strategy for brands? I’d guess, yes.
Your thoughts?
This could be a great BCR topic.