It’s This Week in Bourbon for June 13th 2025. The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame announced new inductees, Bardstown Bourbon announces their new club program, and Stitzel-Weller Distillery is launching Stitzel Reserve.

Show Notes:

• Rare Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year single barrel sells for $800,000, benefiting California wildfire relief.
• ASW Distillery expands with new bourbon releases, awards, and a new bar at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
• Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2025 Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees and Chris Morris’s lifetime achievement award.
• University of Kentucky launches “Estate Whiskey Certified” program for locally-sourced, estate-produced whiskeys.
• Bardstown Bourbon Co. introduces “The Reserve,” an exclusive whiskey club with curated allocations.
• Cannella Media DTC launches Wine, Watches & Whiskey, a new FAST channel for luxury lifestyle content.
• Remus Bourbon releases the ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve at $149.99.
• Buzzard’s Roost Distillery unveils “Ambuzzadors Select,” a new 115-proof, five-year-old single-barrel rye for $85.
• Buffalo Trace Distillery introduces Eagle Rare 12, a 12-year-old, 95-proof bourbon at $49.99.
• Mugen Spirit releases the second barrel in its limited Yokai Series, a 141.8-proof expression called Tengu Series.
• Stitzel-Weller Distillery launches Stitzel Reserve, a new series of rare aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, with a 24-Year-Old available on-site.
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At Bourbon Pursuit, we always talk about the community aspect of whiskey, but rarely do we get to sit down with someone whose personal journey so deeply intertwines with building that community. That’s why I was so excited to welcome Randy Sullivan to the show today. You might know him from Bourbon Real Talk or his brand, Prideful Goat. Randy shares a truly heartfelt story about how personal loss, specifically the passing of his brother, became a catalyst for him to create welcoming spaces for whiskey lovers. This conversation is packed with genuine moments – from hilarious reflections on his early days and the unique connections he’s made, including how challenge coins got introduced into the scene! Randy is incredibly open about his own battles with mental health and the powerful impact the whiskey community has had on him. We also touch on the spontaneous journey behind co-founding Prideful Goat, focusing on quality and authenticity. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder from Randy about the warmth and support found in the whiskey community and the simple, yet profound, importance of connection and looking out for one another

Show Notes:

• Randy Sullivan’s heartfelt journey in whiskey
• The impactful role of Jack Daniels in his life
• Founding Someone Say Whiskey and fostering positivity
• The concept of “challenge coins” in whiskey networking
• Navigating mental health dialogues within the whiskey community
• The inception of Prideful Goat and its core values
• The power of relationships and cherished memories through whiskey
• Randy’s uplifting message about love and support for the community
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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Volume 5. This non-age stated rye whiskey is 104.2 proof and $270 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 June 6th 2025. Lisa Wicker joins Whiskey Thief, Binder’s Stash announced a partnership with Willett Distillery, and Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond is officially released

Show Notes:

• Lisa Roper Wicker joins Whiskey Thief Distilling Company as Director of Distilling.
• “Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations Inspired by the Master of Suspense” cocktail book by Laurence Maslon available July 29, 2025.
• Mellow Moments Club Hub launches for member benefits and updates.
• Sazerac debuts Legacy de Forge, a global e-commerce platform for rare spirits.
• Republic National Distributing Company to exit California by September 2, 2025.
• Binder’s Stash partners with Willett Distillery for access to inventory and bottling.
• Four Roses releases 15yr OBSF for Father’s Day.
• Heaven Hill releases Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof.
• 15 STARS releases Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye at 95 proof.
• Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and new President’s Choice Rye now available nationwide.
• Castle & Key and Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild release “The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4” at 104 proof.
• Derby City Gaming releases The Great Gambit, a 16-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 122.22 proof.
• Lost Lantern announces Summer 2025 Collection of estate blends and single casks.
• Wyoming Whiskey launches Buffalo Bill Cody, a 6-year, 97 proof, Wyoming-exclusive bourbon.
• RD1 Spirits introduces Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak at 102 proof.
• High West releases The Prisoner’s Share, bourbon and rye finished in red wine barrels.
• Penelope Bourbon debuts Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 at 101 proof.
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We talk a lot about rarity, allocated bottles, and market prices on this show, but what about the bottles that mean something more? What about the ones that aren’t worth a fortune on paper, but hold irreplaceable memories? That’s the topic we’re diving into today in a really special episode featuring myself, Ryan, and Fred Minnick. Prompted by a listener asking about the significance of bottles beyond their monetary worth, we each opened up our personal collections – not just the unicorns, but the bottles tied to moments in our lives. You’ll hear some incredibly personal stories, from Ryan saving a specific bottle for his son’s future birthday, to my own reflections on a signed Maker’s Mark from my college days, and Fred sharing the significance of a Maker’s 46 sample straight from Bill Samuels himself. It’s a reminder that while the hunt and the hype are fun, the true value of bourbon often lies in the memories made and the connections shared over a glass. We get into the culture of trading and even touch on the financial side, but ultimately, this conversation is all about the joy, the nostalgia, and the heartfelt connections that make these bottles truly priceless to us.

Show Notes:

• Emotional connections tied to bourbon collections.
• Personal anecdotes behind treasured bottles.
• The significance of sharing experiences over rare finds.
• Fred’s humorous caution about revealing bottle names.
• Ryan’s Rowan’s Creek bottle for his son’s future birthday celebration.
• Kenny’s college memories associated with a signed Maker’s Mark.
• Insights into bourbon trading and its emotional rewards.
• Celebrating connections formed through memorable bourbon experiences.
• Candid discussions about the financial aspects of collecting.
• Reflecting on the joy of bourbon journeys and friendships.
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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Whiskey JYPSI Tribute Double Barreled Bourbon. This 4 year old whiskey is 86 proof and $45 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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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.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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.
• Support this podcast on Patreon