Is there a better pairing in the world than smoke and oak? Well, today we’re welcoming back to show, Matt Pittman, the founder of Meat Church. Did you know he was a waterboy for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and now he has become the official pitmaster of the Cowboys. Matt built a literal empire out of backyard tailgates and high-quality rubs but his love for barbecue and bourbon are finally coming together. It’s been a minute since we last chatted, and a lot has changed—including Matt joining the Pursuit family is as an investor in Pursuit Spirits. We talk about the parallels between blending a perfect barrel and crafting a world-class brisket, and Matt gives us the inside scoop on his new cola-based sauce and the latest Traeger collab. But the real kicker? We’re officially announcing the Honey Bourbon collaboration between Meat Church and Pursuit Spirits, featuring real Texas wildflower honey.

Show Notes:

• From Cowboys water boy to official pit master
• The bond between barbecue, bourbon, and creating memories
• Matt’s new seasoning products and business evolution
• Sneak peek into the Honey Bourbon project with Pursuit Spirits
• The lifestyle brand of outdoor cooking and family activities

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Is the era of the secret sourced bottle finally over, or are we just getting started? Today, we’re digging into contract distillation. We’re tracing the roots from the early days of “shhh, don’t tell them it’s MGP” to the massive, high-tech operations like Bardstown Bourbon Company that have turned being a NDP into a badge of honor. But as you, the consumer, gets more sophisticated, the demand for transparency is hitting an all-time high, and we’re talking about why “faking the funk” with a made-up story just doesn’t fly in 2026. We also tackle the elephant in the room: market oversaturation. With speculative investments pouring in and foreign tariffs squeezing exports, the landscape is shifting under our feet. It’s not all bad news. We’re envisioning a true whiskey renaissance as those massive inventories of aging barrels finally hit the market, likely leading to some of the most unique, high-quality releases we’ve ever seen.

Show Notes:

• Historical significance and evolution of contract distillation
• Increased consumer interest in whiskey authenticity and sourcing
• Key players in the current contract distillation landscape
• Risks and opportunities for new distilleries entering the market
• Discussions on market oversaturation and speculative investments
• Effects of foreign tariffs on the whiskey export business
• Predictions for a bright future in whiskey with innovative barrel-aged flavors
• Importance of strong customer relationships for contract distillers

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Does the whiskey industry need another corporate documentary, or does it just need a better script? Today we’re joined by Ryan and Alec Balas, the creative minds behind Whiskeyland TV, to talk about their transition from professional filmmaking to capturing the soul of the bourbon trail. From shooting childhood home videos to their serendipitous entry into the spirits world with their film Runner, the brothers share how a candid “bathtub epiphany” led to a vision for whiskey-centric storytelling that bypasses the big brands to focus on the authentic narratives of smaller producers. In a saturated market that often favors flashy, 15-second clips over substance, Ryan and Alec are focused on nuanced storytelling that resonates with enthusiasts on a personal level. I’ve been a fan of their work and ever since their debut of Whiskeyland of Pursuit as episode 1, they have certainly made a name for themselves in this space.

Show Notes:

• How childhood experiences influenced Ryan and Alec’s creativity
• The origin story of Whiskeyland TV
• The importance of authenticity in whiskey storytelling
• Challenges faced in today’s content creation landscape
• Balancing audience engagement with genuine narratives
• What to expect next from Whiskeyland TV
• The connection between bourbon culture and personal stories

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It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re diving straight into the tectonic shift that just rocked the industry. In this episode, we dissect the confirmed mutual interest between Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard. Following the massive news of Gallo’s acquisition of Four Roses, we’re debating what this level of consolidation means for the “little guy” and whether craft producers are about to get squeezed off the shelf entirely. We’re navigating the anxiety surrounding job security and brand identity, wondering if icons like Old Forester and Woodford Reserve can maintain their soul under Pernod’s management. We’re breaking down the hype, the heartbreak, and the reality of a changing landscape in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

Show Notes:

• In-depth analysis of the Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger
• Discussion on distribution effects for smaller whiskey brands
• Concerns regarding Brown-Forman’s community contributions and local charities
• Insights into the future of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve
• Speculation on changes in Kentucky Derby sponsorships

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Does the whiskey industry need more experts, or does it just need better storytellers? Today, we’re joined by Daniel Whittington, the Chancellor of Wizard Academy and co-founder of the Whiskey Marketing School, and we talk about how narrative and community are the real drivers behind your favorite bottles. Daniel shares his transition from the wine world into how a secret whiskey group eventually evolved into a mission to change how we educate our palates. There’s more to the pour and it’s the technical and psychological side of the whiskey that I really enjoy when I watch Daniel’s videos. As one of the OGs of the YouTube world, he built an incredible community with Whiskey Tribe and but things hit a stopping point with his co-host and we talk about how that impacts relationships, friendships, and how the public eye percieves it. But he’s also champtioning independant bottlers with a whole new look on tranparency and why those bottles are something you should be looking for.

Show Notes:

• The community-centered mission of Difference Bourbon
• Daniel’s transition from wine to whiskey and its impact
• The role of storytelling in whiskey education
• Insights on the evolving quality of whiskey and the importance of connection
• The rise and challenges of the Whiskey Tribe YouTube channel
• Navigating audience engagement and content creation
• Clarifying whiskey classifications for consumer education
• The launch of AmericanIndy.com focused on transparency in independent bottling
• Celebrating the human connections within the whiskey community

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Can a North Carolina distillery really take on the heavyweights of the Bluegrass? Today, we’re joined by Pete Barger, the co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to talk about how he’s disrupting the craft bourbon landscape from just outside of Charlotte. Pete brings a unique background of engineering and agricultural expertise to the table, and he’s sharing the story of how they built a massive, state-of-the-art operation that’s doing everything from contract distilling for powerhouses like Brothers Bond to winning double golds with their own Paragon wheated bourbon. Pete breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local North Carolina grains creates a flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also taste their American Single Malt and just wait until you hear Ryan’s reaction. This is what American Single Malt has been missing.

Show Notes:

• The craft bourbon movement’s landscape in North Carolina
• Merging engineering with whiskey-making
• Tackling the whisky provenance debate: quality vs. origin
• Collaboration insights: Brothers Bond and regenerative agriculture
• The role of barrel selection and innovative finishes
• The introduction of honey-cask bourbon and its market strategy
• Future plans for Southern Distilling and commitment to community

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Is American Brandy finally ready to step out of bourbon’s shadow? Today, we’re joined by Rob Bourdon, the new owner of Copper & Kings, to discuss his vision for revitalizing one of Louisville’s most creative distilleries. I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Rob for years because he was part of Tennesee Distilling Group and led a lot of their new fill and barrel contracts. Rob shares his past where was professional hockey player but we quickly pivot to talking about why brandy. When I heard he was buying Copper & Kings I was a bit shocked but Rob puts a great spin on it to see the opportunity in brandy versus the crowded bourbon market. But don’t get me wrong, there’s still a lot of really great brandy, bourbon, and tequila plays here. So if you’re coming to Louisville and need a break from the bourbon, go check out Copper & Kings to see what he’s got going on over there and pick one up on your shelf when you need to change things up.

Show Notes:

• Challenges and developments in the Tennessee distilling industry
• Rob’s vision for Copper and Kings and the significance of American brandy
• Discussion of innovative products and unique distillation approaches
• Tasting notes featuring their apple brandy and other specialties
• Importance of educating consumers about brandy
• Plans for community engagement and revitalizing distillery events

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It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re handing the reins over to our Patreon supporters to see what’s actually on your minds. We’re pulling back the curtain on our chaotic group chat to debate the “Dusty” vs. Modern era and why some single barrel picks just hit different. Ryan is still leading the charge for high-proof heat, while Blake breaks down why balance is the only thing that keeps a brand relevant in a crowded market. We’re also digging into the finished whiskey craze and what the latest round of distillery consolidations means for your wallet. At the end of the day, we’re looking past the labels to find the soul of the industry. Does a great story still trump a massive marketing budget? We’re breaking down the trends, the hype, and the reality of being an enthusiast in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

Show Notes:

• The art of cocktail creativity: Best unexpected spirit swaps
• Are finished barrel whiskeys a fleeting trend?
• Insights on modern bottling techniques and the revival of “Dusty” bottles
• How distillery consolidation impacts consumer choices
• High-proof spirits: Preference shifts and cocktail accessibility
• The journey of craft distilleries and the stories behind their creations
• The role of storytelling in enriching the bourbon experience

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Is the bourbon market hitting a breaking point, or are we just drowning in a sea of average whiskey? Or maybe we’re just trying to pick at things because that’s what we do! Today’s show didn’t have a theme other than airing some grievances we see across the bourbon landscape. And the guy who has all the hot takes is Matt “The Colonel” Kusek. Matt never pulls his punches, and today we’ll talk about the non-stop barrage of Limited Time Offerings (LTOs) and if NDPs are more exciting now than traditional heritage distilleries. We kick things off with a candid look at the struggle of creating fresh content in a saturated market and ask the tough question, has the rush to release more bottles caused a massive dip in quality? We’ve seen it in secondary markets because if every release is special then nothing is special. We also dive into the psychology of the “hunt” and why consumer demands are shifting. Matt poses a challenge to the big brands, questioning if they’re falling behind while smaller, more nimble players to innovate. And we debate the future of “trophy” bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and whether collectability can survive. If you’ve ever looked at a shelf of $100 bottles and wondered if any are actually worth it, maybe this episode will tell you it’s all psychology.

Show Notes:

• The challenges of producing engaging content in the bourbon industry
• The current state and originality of limited-time offerings
• Consumer behavior and the perception of high-status brands like Pappy Van Winkle
• The impact of non-distiller producers on quality and collectible options
• Humorous tales from personal barrel picks and bourbon adventures
• Predictions for the future of collectible and innovative whiskeys

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Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky’s most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It’s no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the ’60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon’s powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won’t ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon.

Show Notes:

• Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns
• Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels
• The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues
• Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality
• Variances in THC regulations across different states
• Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages
• Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries
• Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape
• Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception

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