You know, if there’s one topic that sparks debate and curiosity among bourbon enthusiasts, it’s definitely wheated bourbons. Today, we’re doing a deep dive into these unique spirits with an incredible panel: the always insightful Brian Haara, the ever-knowledgeable Blake Riber, and our good friend Nick Beiter. We’re exploring the history and the recent surge in popularity of these bourbons, tracing their lineage back to legendary names like Maker’s Mark and Stitzel-Weller. But the conversation quickly shifts to a spirited debate: what truly makes a bourbon wheated?

Show Notes:

• Kenny leads a roundtable discussion on the rise of wheated bourbons
• Brian shares his initial experiences with wheated expressions
• Blake discusses the historical legacy of Maker’s Mark and “poor man’s Pappy”
• A debate on how to define a wheated bourbon, including brands like Penelope
• Examination of marketing’s role in consumer understanding of wheated bourbons
• Insights into how wheated bourbons compare to rye-based counterparts
• Speculation on the future evolution of the wheated bourbon category
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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1. This 9 year old whiskey is 107 proof and $80 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.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 23rd. Scotch producer Loch Lomond Group has made its first move into American whiskey with the purchase of New York Distilling Co., ORCA golf has a new bourbon inspired golf bag line, and Milam & Greene Whiskey introduce The Answer.

Show Notes:

• Loch Lomond Group acquires New York Distilling Co., entering American whiskey market.
• Council of Whiskey Masters welcomes 16 new members, including four Masters of Bourbon.
• BMW Car Club of America announces “Rendezvous – The Bourbon Trail 2025” in Louisville, June 12-15.
• ORCA GOLF launches Bourbon Collection golf bags in “Old Oak,” “Tawny,” and “Burnt Amber” hues, starting at $275.
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. partners with World Food Championships for “Charred Truth” Live Fire Invitational, June 27-28.
• New Riff Distilling releases First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye, 10-year-old, 120.5 proof, $90.
• Frank August releases Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 10-15 barrels per batch, $69.99-$74.99.
• Woodford Reserve releases Tawny Port Finish in Distillery Series, 90.4 proof, $65 for 375ml.
• Rebel Bourbon and Childress Vineyards release Rebel 100 Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish, 100 proof, $39.99.
• Milam & Greene Whiskey introduces “The Answer” Straight Bourbon, a two-bottle set comparing Kentucky and Texas aging, $150.
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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

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey. This 14 year old whiskey is 126.3 proof and $150 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.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 16th, Old Elk has been acquired by Middle West Spirits, Bardstown Bourbon Co has named a Master Blender, and Blue Run releases the Blue Run Flight Series

Show Notes:

• Old Elk acquired by Middle West Spirits; tasting room closed.
• Oregon ethics panel rejects Pappy Van Winkle scandal fine.
• InvestBev invests eight-figure sum in Registered Distillery One.
• Smoke & Oak book explores bourbon and cigar history, pairings, out May 28.
• Lofted Spirits elevates Dan Callaway to Master Blender.
• Knob Creek Single Barrel Select now cask strength, Bourbon & Rye, $69.99 SRP.
• Hard Truth releases American Odd Sweet Mash Bourbon, 100 proof, $69.99.
• Blue Run Spirits releases Flight Series III “micro batch” whiskeys, $124.99 SRP each.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Town Branch Imperium Bourbon. This 6-8 year old bourbon is 96 proof and $120 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.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for May 9th, 2025. E.H. Taylor comes to the BTAC, Pursuit releases 4 new expressions and new packaging, Heaven Hill releases new Grain To Glass and Old Fitz.

Show Notes:

• Wild Turkey’s 8-year age statement likely ended around 2002 due to production shifts and industry decline.
• Documentary “Frankfort, Kentucky: The Heart of Bourbon” screening June 13.
• Camp Runamok returns for 14th year of bourbon education.
• Lost Lantern announces Discovery Club, a monthly whiskey subscription.
• Devils River Whiskey files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon joins Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in 2025.
• Pursuit Spirits introduces new proof points and packaging for Pursuit United Bourbon and Rye.
• Frey Ranch releases Harvester Series: 10th Anniversary Edition, 121.14 proof, $249.99.
• Chattanooga Whiskey releases Spring 2021 Bottled in Bond Vintage Series, $52.99.
• Green River Whiskey named Official Whiskey of the U.S. Army, commemorative release June 14, 111.1 proof.
• Heaven Hill launches Family Farms First initiative with Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon, 105 proof.
• Heaven Hill releases Spring 2025 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series, 9-year-old, $129.99.
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In this episode, we sit down with Amine Karaoud, the founder behind Old Louisville Whiskey Company. Amine’s path is unorthodox, transitioning from a safe career in engineering to living a life behind the counter of a struggling liquor store in Old Louisville. At that store, he learned about the business and how to navigate the three tier system. He also had some foresight where he took profits from the store and started buying barrels at MGP years ago but he didn’t know what to do with them. Fast forward a few years, he’s got a healthy stock of double digit aged barrels and an idea of creating a new brand. His past life with the retail ingrained a sense of hospitality which is one of the reasons why he has fostered a community that grabs up all his releases.

Show Notes:

• What inspired your move from engineering to the whiskey industry?
• How did you revitalize the liquor store you took over?
• What obstacles did you encounter while launching your whiskey brand?
• Can you elaborate on your barrel sourcing strategy?
• Why did you choose to build your own distillery instead of using co-packers?
• What role does community engagement play in your business?
• Insights into your blending process and the importance of mash bills.
• How has your retail experience influenced your whiskey offerings?
• Any tips for budding distillers or liquor store owners?
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. This 19 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $300 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.

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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

We’re coming together and we’re talking about age statements. Wild Turkey 101 is making its 8 year return for the first time since 1992. But I really wanted to pose a question of when do age statements really matter? You see all kinds of brands that are very successful without age statements, namely coming from Brown Forman with the likes of Old Forrester and with Woodford Reserve. Even the most famous bourbon on the planet, Blanton’s, doesn’t have an age statement. So when do age statements matter?

Show Notes:

• Wild Turkey 101 is making an 8 year return
• When do age statements matter?
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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Silk Velvet Whiskey. This 6 year old bourbon is 107 proof and $80 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.

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It’s This Week in Bourbon for April 25th, 2025. 2 court cases battle over the commerce clause for sprits shipping, Larrakin releases Rosewater Bourbon, and Ducks Unlimited and World Whiskey Society team up for a bourbon release.

Show Notes:

• Kentucky Distillers’ Association welcomes Left Bank Bourbon as newest member.
• Nearest Green Distillery launches The Fifty-Six Society membership club.
• California distillery sues New York over out-of-state shipping restrictions.
• Federal judge rejects New York whiskey maker’s challenge to Washington rule.
• Four Branches Bourbon appoints Gregg Snyder as strategic advisor.
• Larrikin Bourbon Co. releases Rosewater Bourbon, proofed with rosewater.
• Ducks Unlimited & World Whiskey Society release limited-edition whiskeys.
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon releases The John Edwards Release, 107 proof, $119.99.
• BHAKTA Spirits releases BHAKTA 2011 Bourbon, Armagnac cask finish, 111 proof, $149.
• Support this podcast on Patreon