It’s that time of the year again and you’re wondering what you should get that special bourbon lover in your life. There’s a lot of gimmicks and bad gifts out there. As somenone who is the receipent of those gifts, I want to make sure the giver isn’t wasting their money. Afterall, it’s really hard to return bottom shelf bottles back to the liquor store.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Gifts
• 03:06-Understanding Bourbon Characteristics
• 06:02-Choosing the Right Bourbon Bottle
• 08:54-Avoiding Common Bourbon Gift Mistakes
• 12:13-Bourbon Trinkets and Memorabilia
• 15:07-Unique Bourbon Gift Ideas
• 17:50-Cocktail Kits and Accessories
• 20:53-Merchandise and Apparel for Bourbon Lovers
• 24:11-Subscription Services and Monthly Boxes
• 27:04-Books and Educational Resources on Bourbon
• 29:53-Final Thoughts on Bourbon Gifting
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky Bourbon. This 16 year old bourbon is 130.4 proof and $350 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

(more…)

It’s BCR100 and we look at how the last decade of bourbon has changed and what we’ve learned. Then we discuss the implications of MGP rolling back production. We wrap up the show talking about what producers we feel price accordingly but it quickly changes to those that are pricing aggressively.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-The Lamb Diet and Bourbon Rituals
• 01:46-Celebrating 100 Episodes of Bourbon Pursuit
• 02:56-Whiskey Experimentation: The Debate on Oak Cubes
• 05:40-Reflections on a Decade of Bourbon
• 16:08-The Evolution of Bourbon Consumers
• 28:18-MGP’s Market Shift and Future Directions
• 40:56-Exploring the Unique Distillery Experience
• 43:11-The Impact of MGP on the Whiskey Industry
• 46:01-Brand vs. Whiskey: What Drives Consumer Choices?
• 57:26-Pricing Strategies in the Whiskey Market
• 01:10:39-Celebrating Community and Connection in Bourbon
• Support this podcast on Patreon

(more…)

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review SirDavis Whisky. This non-age stated whiskey is 88 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

(more…)

It’s This Week in Bourbon for November 8th 2024. A brief history of alcohol and Election Day, MGP pulls back on distilling, and Wyoming Whiskey proudly introduces Queen of the Tetons.

Show Notes:

• brief history of alcohol and Election Day
• MGP pulls back on distilling
• Old Grand-Dad 16 years
• Wyoming Whiskey Queen of the Tetons
• Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles
• Saints Alley Nobleman
• Support this podcast on Patreon

A lot of distributors tell us that brands are built behind the bar. To a degree that is true. These folks are on the front lines making drinks and have to be knowledgeable about what they are creating. Yet, a bartenders job is high stress and they don’t get a chance to get immersed in a brand so that’s where Camp Runamok comes in. We’re joined by Lindsey Johnson who manages this fantasy camp for bartenders. Bartenders from around the country write essays like they are filing a college application to be accepted into a week of events with Camp Runamok. We talk about what benefits there are for both sides when it comes to the campers and the brands who support it.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Camp Runamuck
• 06:00-The Evolution of Bartending and Industry Relationships
• 12:02-The Concept and Growth of Camp Runamuck
• 18:08-Experiential Learning and Community Building
• 24:10-Mentorship and the Future of Bartending
• 28:09-Creating Safe Spaces for Sober Campers
• 32:07-The Evolution of Drinking Culture Among Gen Z
• 35:21-Navigating a Career in Bartending
• 40:40-Supporting Small Craft Brands in the Industry
• 43:47-The Impact of Camp Run Amok on Bartenders
• 49:34-Building Community and Connections in Bartending
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series with Blackberry Berry Farm Brewery. This 6-14 year old finished bourbon is 107 proof and $160 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

(more…)

It’s This Week in Bourbon for November 1st 2024. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection has returned for 2024, Rabbit Hole Distillery releases Boxergrail Founder’s Collection, andd Bourbon de Luxe the famous brand from the 1900s makes it triumphant return.

Show Notes:

• Fraser & Thompson launched Uncorked
• The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024
• B. H. James Distillers celebrates their second Anniversary with 3 releases
• Wheel Horse Whiskey Cigar Blend Bourbon
• Woodford Reserve annual holiday bourbon bottle.
• Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Founder’s Collection
• Blue Note Honey Bourbon Cask
• Jeptha Creed Red, White & Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Frank August CASE STUDY: 04
• Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Rolling Fork Spirits announces Bourbon de Luxe
• Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs launch Watch Hill Whiskey Company with 20 year bourbons
• Support this podcast on Patreon

If you have followed the progress of this show since the beginning, you can see the evolution of what we talk about. In the beginning it was about brands and Master Distillers, then when we started Pursuit Spirits we were introduced into the world of brokers and the middle layer of people who own barrels without brands. That information has made its way to you and now you know more about the market. But that brokered market is heavily guarded. It’s a series of handshakes, phone calls, and emails with excel spreadsheets with prices to see what’s available. However, Rob Arnold with Barrel Hub is trying to make access easier for everyone. Rob isn’t new to this game. He spent his undergraduate in Texas and is the person responsible for the pecan yeast strain used by TX Whiskey to this day. We talk about his background and how that led to the idea of creating a portal where industry folks can buy and sell barrels on the wholesale market.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Market Evolution
• 03:10-The Brokered Whiskey Market and Its Challenges
• 05:56-Rob Arnold’s Background and Innovative Ideas
• 09:07-The Role of Yeast in Whiskey Production
• 11:53-The Journey of TX Whiskey and Its Unique Identity
• 15:08-Navigating the Craft Whiskey Landscape
• 17:53-The Science Behind TX Whiskey’s Yeast
• 21:09-The Impact of Pernod Ricard’s Acquisition
• 30:07-Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
• 32:23-The Science of Whiskey: Writing and Education
• 36:00-Innovative Barrel Financing Solutions
• 40:40-Introducing Barrel Hub: A Marketplace for Whiskey
• 46:12-Transparency in the Whiskey Market
• 52:44-Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Whiskey Industry
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester The 117 Series Rum Cask Finish Bourbon. This non-age stated whiskey is 95 proof and $65 MSRP (375ml). Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

(more…)

It’s This Week in Bourbon for October 25th 2024. A new record breaking sale happend for a private Van Winkle bottling at auction, Old Carter and all its assets go up for auction, Baker’s releases a limited edition high rye bourbon.

Show Notes:

• Van Winkle 18 Year Special Reserve Bourbon Binnys Private Barrel Selection Highest Unicorn Auction
• Green River Distilling moving to Whiskey Row
• Jackson Purchase Distillery will open a new corporate office in Louisville
• Old Carter for the entire brand and assets go up for auction
• Jim Beam Winter Reserve
• Monk’s Road Rye Whiskey
• Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon
• Lost Lantern Fall 2024 Collection
• Buzzard’s Roost Kindred Collaboration Bourbon
• New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey made with biscuit malt
• Support this podcast on Patreon

We talk about Penelope a lot on the show because they are a prime example of how to differentiate yourself in the marketplace from a crowded shelf of bottles. Our first episode with Mike Paladini and Danny Polise was back on epsidoe 382. And now this time we catch up with them again but after they were acquired by MGP for $215M. We talk about life after acquisition and what that means to access to whiskey, the life of the brand, and how their roles have changed from running it all to leaning on a large organiztion with a substantial salesforce.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-The Journey Begins: From Mattresses to Bourbon
• 04:54-The Rise of Penelope Bourbon: Challenges and Innovations
• 09:57-Acquisition Insights: Life After MGP
• 19:52-Product Development: The Art of Blending and Finishing
• 30:04-Future Aspirations: Growth and New Innovations
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey Batch #10. This non-age stated whiskey is 120.6 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!

DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly.

(more…)

It’s This Week in Bourbon for October 18th 2024. The Whiskey Wash relaunches as a price comparison site, Woodford Reserve releases the fall 2024 Master’s Collection release – Madeira Cask Finish, and Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark unveiled Greats of the Gate.

Show Notes:

• The Whiskey Wash relaunches as a price comparison site
• Log Still Distillery and Against the Grain Brewery return Beetlejuice pop-up
• Iron City Distilling brand new 3 Chamber Still
• Milam & Greene Whiskey Barn Owl Single Barrel Bourbon
• Safai Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Brewzle launched Oak Bowery Bourbon
• Woodford Reserve Madeira Cask Finish
• Keeneland Race Course and Maker’s Mark unveiled Greats of the Gate
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Has celebrity whiskey turned a new page? In this edition of Bourbon Community Roundtable we start examining the world of celebrity once again. Previously disregarded amongst whiskey geeks, we now see the tide shifting where celevrities are beginning to put out some really great stuff. We discuss what makes a brand stick and how celebrities and can’t just splash and dash if they want a long standing product.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Celebrity Whiskeys
• 12:15-The Rise of Celebrity Whiskeys
• 21:44-Challenges and Opportunities in Celebrity Whiskey Brands
• 28:24-Crafting Celebrity Spirits: The Business Models
• 31:18-Pricing Strategies: Balancing Quality and Accessibility
• 35:16-The Importance of Authenticity in Celebrity Brands
• 39:23-Challenges in the Celebrity Spirits Market
• 42:44-Consumer Perception: The Connection Between Celebrity and Product
• 46:37-Building a Portfolio: Beyond One Product
• 50:33-The Future of Celebrity Brands in Bourbon
• Support this podcast on Patreon

(more…)