It’s This Week in Bourbon for February 21st, 2025. Pursuit launches its DTS program P.Club, Jason Callori launches Drum Key Spirits, and Evan Williams will release a Kentucky Derby Festival Single Barrel.

Show Notes:

• Pursuit Spirits launches P.Club, a customizable whiskey subscription with exclusive releases
• Frey Ranch partners with the University of Kentucky’s Estate Whiskey Alliance for sustainability
• Barrel King collaborates with Mash & Drum’s Jason Callori to launch Drum Key Spirits
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon secures $7.5M in funding to expand in the U.S. and international markets
• Trump and Modi agree to lower India’s tariffs on Bourbon from 150% to 100%
• Yellowstone Bourbon surpasses $1M in donations to National Parks Conservation Association
• Pappy Van Winkle barrel auction skyrockets to $3.1M before bidding restrictions imposed
• Evan Williams releases 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival bottle with commemorative Pegasus Pin
• Frey Ranch debuts 100% Barley Whiskey as part of its Single Grain Series at 110 proof
• A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon returns at 139.7 proof, available via lottery
• Support this podcast on Patreon

In this episode we welcome back Chef Edward Lee since his first appearance on the show back in 2016. But this time we’re here to talk about Chef Lee’s new book, *Bourbon Land*. Chef Lee shares his unexpected journey to Louisville and how he transformed his career at 610 Magnolia, highlighting the importance of local ingredients and bourbon in his dishes. We get into the allocation game and he addresses the challenges of dealing with distributors while promoting the spirit’s versatility in cooking, especially in Asian cuisines. As social media shifts the culinary landscape, he discusses the balance between authenticity and engagement, on who you can trust and what trends are worthy on TikTok. This conversation take a lot of turns but don’t miss Chef Lee’s *Bourbon Land*, featuring over 50 recipes now available in bookstores.

Show Notes:

• Chef’s Journey into Bourbon
• The Evolution of 610 Magnolia
• Culinary Trends and Innovations
• Chef’s New Book: Bourbon Land
• The Importance of Kentucky Bourbon
• The Changing Landscape of Bourbon
• The Art and Science of Bourbon
• Pairing Bourbon with Global Flavors
• The Relationship Between Chefs and Bourbon
• Craftsmanship in Bourbon Production
• The Business of Bourbon
• The Role of Chefs in Bourbon Culture
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodinville Founder’s Find Bourbon. This 12 year old bourbon is 107 proof and $130 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 February 14th, 2025. Kentucky Distillers’ Association is proud to welcome more than a dozen new experiences to its Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Jack Daniel’s has reported a partial collapse of a whiskey warehouse, and Green River launches of their Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon.

Show Notes:

• The Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to 60 destinations across 27 Kentucky counties
• Green River Whiskey sponsors No. 44 Chevrolet for J.J. Yeley’s 2025 Daytona 500 qualifiers
• Jack Daniel Distillery reports partial collapse of warehouse 2-15, impacting whiskey barrels
• IWSR forecasts 20% growth in global e-commerce alcohol sales, reaching $36B by 2028
• Sazerac launches California wildfire relief fundraiser featuring rare Pappy Van Winkle auction
• Big Easy Spirits debuts Big Easy Whiskey, a 5-year bourbon mash infused with botanicals
• Blue Note Bourbon releases Special Reserve Straight Bourbon, a 10-cask blend at 116.3 proof
• Virginia Distillery Co. unveils Sexual Chocolate Stout Cask Finish American Single Malt
• Green River launches limited Kentucky Straight Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon at barrel proof
• Support this podcast on Patreon

This is one episode that was requested by dozens of people. I’m so glad Scott Neil, president and co-founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon and a retired Green Beret. Scott shares how his military background and the ethos of camaraderie influenced his journey into the bourbon industry. The conversation delves into whiskey and war stories. There’s a lot of context of how these guys went to war and came back heros. That all influences the inception of Horse Soldier Bourbon, born from bonds formed during service and a shared love for whiskey. Scott discusses the challenges faced by emerging brands, the importance of controlling production for quality with their own distillery coming online, and the role of community engagement in building lasting relationships with consumers.

Show Notes:

• Get a glimpse into Scott’s military background and how it shaped his viewpoint.
• Discuss the origins of Horse Soldier Bourbon and the significance of the name.
• Explore the transition from military service to the world of bourbon.
• Insights into distillation: crafting a unique bourbon and the logistics behind it.
• Challenges faced as a new brand in a competitive marketplace.
• The importance of community engagement and storytelling in building customer relationships.
• Learn about the philosophy driving the creation of Horse Soldier and their long-term vision.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Preservation Distillery Pure Antique Bourbon. This 20 year old bourbon is 114.4 proof and $900 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 February 7th, 2025. Diageo has announced it will close its bottling operation at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, A court settles the argument on who gets to say they were the first African American owned bourbon distillery in Kentucky, and Heaven Hill announces the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 19-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

Show Notes:

• Diageo to close Stitzel-Weller bottling operation in April, relocating jobs and production
• Diageo announces $415M manufacturing and warehousing facility in Alabama, opening 2025
• Castle & Key completes Phase 1 of solar energy project, investing $2M in sustainability
• Court rules in favor of Fresh Bourbon in dispute over first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky
• World Whiskey Society launches Green Code Bourbon in eco-friendly packaging for $49.99
• Heaven Hill unveils 19-Year-Old Wheat Whiskey in Heritage Collection at $299.99
• Support this podcast on Patreon

It’s the 500th episode of Bourbon Pursuit! However, this isn’t lighthearted and fun because we disucss the impact of tariffs on bourbon. The episode features a pre-recorded interview with Congressman Morgan McGarvey, wherein he shares insights on the political landscape of bourbon tariffs and their wider economic consequences. The discussion highlights bourbon’s historical role in trade negotiations and the precarious situation for the industry, especially for smaller distilleries that may struggle to adapt. The short end of this is that consumers and producers alike need to come together in support of bourbon’s vibrant culture.

Show Notes:

• Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s insights on tariffs affecting bourbon.
• Historical context of U.S.-Canada trade relations and its influence on bourbon sales.
• Discussion on the differing impacts of tariffs on large brands vs. craft distilleries.
• A call for unity and support within the bourbon community facing these challenges.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 13th Annual Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 118.8 proof and $230 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 January 31st, 2025. WhistlePig will open a spot in downtown Louisville, Kentucky Artisan Distillery unveils its new Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience, and Michter’s announced Bomberger’s PFG.

Show Notes:

• WhistlePig Whiskey to open PiggyBank tasting bar in historic Louisville bank building
• Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff release Spirited Women, celebrating 55 women in spirits
• The Bar at Willett named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail wins Best of Business award for innovative brand refresh
• Kentucky Artisan Distillery launches Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience on January 31
• Knob Creek partners with Eli Manning for limited-edition 2025 Bold Pick Single Barrel Bourbon
• Penelope Bourbon adds Wheated Bourbon to its Core Series, launching nationwide in February
• Buffalo Trace unveils Experimental Collection whiskey infused with hops, aged 11+ years
• Bomberger’s PFG Kentucky Straight Bourbon debuts with double-barrel finishing at 100.2 proof
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Whiskey YouTube has soared in popularity and there’s more content than ever to consume. But there’s one channel where two guys take a view that whiskey shouldn’t be taken so seriously. In this epsiode, we sit down with the Bourbon Junkies—Sean Paisley and Dan Shook—to explore their remarkable journey from casual bourbon enthusiasts to influential content creators and entrepreneurs. These guys started out as childhood friends and just couldn’t leave each other’s side. After ditching power lifting they decided to get into the whiskey space and as they put it, their initial lack of experience led to hilariously authentic early videos. We then take spin into their new whiskey brand, Evernorth. They discuss their dissatisfaction with market pricing and their vision for producing whiskeys that resonate with their community, highlighting the challenges and experiences that come with navigating the whiskey market.

Show Notes:

• Origins of the Bourbon Junkies YouTube channel
• Transitioning from powerlifting talks to whiskey content
• The impact of consistency and community on brand growth
• Humorous trials from their initial video-making experiences
• The significance of live streaming and viewer engagement
• Launching Evernorth: motivations and long-term vision
• Challenges in sourcing and distilling whiskey today
• Insights on consumer pricing and market transparency
• Future aspirations for Evernorth in quality and volume
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. This 11 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $155 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 January 24th, 2025. Rebel Bourbon Takes it’s spot in NASCAR, Penelope launches a 17yr light whiskey, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second edition of its Prohibition Collection.

Show Notes:

• An Austin-based distillery wins trademark lawsuit against Landry’s Inc. over shared name
• Woodford Reserve bottles gifted at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US president
• Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to ban US bourbon if tariffs are imposed on Canada
• Rebel Bourbon partners with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch as official sponsor for 2025
• Penelope Bourbon releases 17-year-aged American Light Whiskey distilled at 189 proof
• Staghorn relaunches All Nations Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a $39.99 SRP
• Log Still Distillery crafts America’s 47 to celebrate the 47th Presidential Inaugural Ball
• New Riff Balboa Rye returns with heirloom grain mash bill at 100 proof for $54.99
• Laws Whiskey House debuts SUPER WHEATER high-wheat bourbon for $129.99
• Buffalo Trace releases Prohibition Collection #2 featuring five historic whiskey recreations
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Over the years I’ve been very fortunate to talk to some great minds in this industry. I remember years ago when Pursuit Spirits was very young making some phone calls looking for particular barrels. One of the calls I made was to Richard Wolf. As a general consumer, you have no idea who he is but Richard was at the forefront of the consulting and barrel broker game for decades. Years later, I got to meet his daughter Monica who is putting her own stamp on the whiskey world behind many NDP brands you see on the shelf today. Monica is one of those people that likes to stick behind the scenes and politely turned down my requests to come on the show. However, when I heard about the passing of her dad, I let the dust settle and came to her with the idea that she should come on the show and talk about her dad’s legacy and all the influence he had on the industry that not many people knew about. I’m glad she did because this is one of those rare times we get to reflect on days past.

Show Notes:

• Legacy of Richard Wolfe
• Monica’s Journey in the Whiskey Industry
• The Birth of the Spirits Group
• Navigating Challenges and Building a Business
• The Impact of Family and Mentorship
• The Importance of Connections in Bourbon
• Navigating the Whiskey Business Landscape
• Building a Portfolio of Brands
• Establishing a Bottling and Blending Facility
• The Journey of Growth and Legacy
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Preservation Estate Pot Distilled Wheated Bourbon. This 6 year old bourbon is 114.6 proof and $130 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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