It’s This Week in Bourbon for December 20th, 2024. More barrel lending programs are becoming available, The Federal Trade Commission and Southern Wine & Glaziers are headed to court, Heaven Hill releases the Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald.

Show Notes:

• Bardstown Bourbon Company and Brindiamo Group launch an exclusive barrel leasing program
• Whiskey House and Whiskey Capital partner to provide non-dilutive, barrel-backed financing solutions for whiskey brands
• Jim Beam launches the Beam Private Barrel Club
• The FTC sues Southern Glazer’s for alleged anticompetitive pricing practices
• Balance Distilling Company resurrects the historic Mammoth Cave Bourbon brand
• Nordic Bourbon Company introduces direct-to-consumer shipping for American whiskey in Europe
• Fred Minnick hosts a top-tier whiskey and music event during Super Bowl week
• The TTB officially recognizes the American Single Malt Whiskey category
• Old Forester 117 Series Warehouse I
• Hidden Barn Series One Slow Fade
• Pendleton 1910 Bourbon
• Oakley Spirits 20-Year Bourbon
• High West & Casa Noble Partnership
• Town Branch Single Malt Archive Series
• Old Fitzgerald Fall 2024 Release
• Woodford Reserve Batch Proof
• Chattanooga Whiskey Vault Series Return
• Penelope Bourbon Havana
• Van Winkle Whiskey Collection 2024
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Here’s our follow up from last week’s ask me anything episode from PursuitPalooza 2024. This is part 2 that was during a live recording where audience members could ask us anything they want.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and AMA
• 06:26-The Evolution of Bourbon Ingredients
• 12:30-The Impact of GMO and Organic Practices
• 17:40-The Role of NDAs in the Bourbon Industry
• 28:18-Developing Sensory Skills in Tasting Bourbon
• 33:36-Whiskey and Memory: The Art of Tasting
• 37:47-The Future of Distilling: Growth and Expansion
• 42:56-Jiu-Jitsu Journey: Health and Personal Growth
• 46:59-Market Trends: The Bourbon Boom and Its Sustainability
• 54:30-Navigating Regulations: The Challenges of Distribution
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond Fall 2020 Vintage. This 4 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $53 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…)

For Bourbon Community Roundtable number 101, where we dive deep into the recent news of Stoli and its subsidiary Kentucky Owl filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This important conversation touches on the implications for the bourbon community, the brand’s significant history, and our personal connections to its legacy. The group discusses how Kentucky Owl, once a celebrated brand under Dixon Dedman’s careful curation, managed to capture the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts with limited releases that truly stood out. We unpack the challenges leading to Kentucky Owl’s current predicament, we examine how Stoli’s acquisition strategies may have shifted the brand’s identity. Will Stoli choose to sell the brand as part of its restructuring?

Show Notes:

• Kentucky Owl’s Bankruptcy: A Reflection
• Future of Kentucky Owl: What Lies Ahead?
• Closing Thoughts on Kentucky Owl’s Journey
• Support this podcast on Patreon

(more…)

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 92 proof and $75 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 December 6th, 2024. Stoli Group and Kentucky Owl file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, signaling shifts in the whiskey landscape. Ohio proposes a bourbon flipping bill, stirring debate among consumers. Hosts Kenny and Ryan share holiday reflections and discuss Jack Daniels’ Barrel Tree Sale for service members. New Riff’s bottled in bond is named Whiskey of the Year, while Elijah Craig unveils the festive Craignog cocktail kit. Highlights also include Booker’s Bourbon “Jimmy’s Batch” honoring industry legends and Bakta Spirits’ Bakta 2005, which raises skepticism with its marketing. Tune in for more bourbon news and discussions next week!

Show Notes:

• Ohio Bill Targets Bourbon “Flippers” with Open-Bottle Rule
• Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree Sale Supports Military Families
• New Riff Bourbon Wins Whisky Exchange’s 2025 Award
• Ken Lewis Elected Kentucky Distillers’ Association Chair
• Stoli Group (USA) Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
• Woodford Reserve Debuts Limited-Edition Chocolate Bourbon Bar
• McDonald’s Offers Beer in Select International Locations
• Watch Hill Whiskey Releases 20-Year Bourbon Batch 02
• Blue Run Spirits Releases Ember
• Preservation Distillery Launches Wheated Pot Distilled Bourbon
• Elijah Craig Introduces “Craig Nog” Eggnog Cocktail Kit
• Booker’s Bourbon Honors Jimmy Russell with 2024-04 Batch
• BHAKTA Launches Rare 2005 Bourbon at $1000
• Support this podcast on Patreon

You’ve heard us talk about PursuitPalooza on the show plenty of times because it’s the one time a year we invite our Patreon supporters from around the world to join us for a weekend of insider activiteis that are expertly curated by Ryan and myself. This year, we decided to do a live podcast recording at our distillery where audience members could ask us any questions they want. I’m not going to ruin it for you but here’s part 1 and part 2 will be next week.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Live Podcast
• 01:23-Tainted Corks and Whiskey Quality
• 04:18-First Live Podcast Experience
• 06:21-Underappreciated Figures in the Bourbon Industry
• 12:16-The Role of Master Distillers
• 25:08-Conspiracy Theories in Bourbon
• 35:06-Innovation in Whiskey Production
• 35:35-Exploring the Future of Whiskey Malting
• 42:03-The Changing Landscape of Whiskey Consumption
• 49:50-Navigating Industry Challenges and Consumer Trends
• 52:54-Reevaluating Industry Practices and Standards
• 01:01:38-Reflections on Podcasting and Legacy
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Blood Oath Pact 10 Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 98.6 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.

(more…)

It’s This Week in Bourbon for November 29th 2024. Kentucky will start its first online confiscated alcohol auction this week, New Riff Distilling will deck the halls rerelease of its Winter Whiskey, and we talk a bit about Thanksgiving.

Show Notes:

• Heritage Distilling Co is aiming to raise $6.75 million through an initial public offering (IPO)
• Proper No Twelve is being pulled from shelves in Ireland
• The Overholt Chore Coat
• Kentucky will start its first online confiscated alcohol auction this week
• New Riff Winter Whiskey
• Casey Jones Founder’s 10th Anniversary Blend
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Our single malt journey continues. In this episode we discuss the unique aspects of single malt whiskey, the journey of Westward Whiskey, and the blending process with their Master Blender, Miles Monroe. Monroe shares his background in music and how it influenced his path to whiskey, as well as the importance of fermentation and distillation techniques. In this conversation we discusses the intricate process of crafting whiskey, the importance of flavor profiles, and the evolution of consumer perceptions towards American Single Malt.

Show Notes:

• 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and Single Malt Whiskey
• 04:45-Miles Monroe’s Journey from Music to Whiskey
• 10:00-The Founding Story of Westward Whiskey
• 15:07-The Craft of Single Malt Distillation
• 19:55-Blending Methodology and Flavor Profiles
• 26:09-Crafting the Perfect Whiskey Blend
• 30:19-The Journey of a Master Blender
• 32:10-Understanding Aging and Flavor Profiles
• 34:22-Consumer Perception of American Single Malt
• 38:57-International Reception and Market Expansion
• 42:40-Future Plans and Visitor Experience
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2024 Parker’s Heritage Collection. This 14 year old finished whiskey is 107 proof and $170 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 22nd 2024. Maker’s Mark appointed a new master distiller and lead blender, Still Austin has a new KentuckyFU campaign, and Four Roses introduces the Single Barrel Collection.

Show Notes:

• Black Diamond and Hocking Valley create the first railroad box car barrel storage
• Evan Williams announced 15 recipients of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grants
• Maker’s Mark appointed a new master distiller and lead blender
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon collaboration with Bettinardi Golf
• Tariffs on American whiskey exports to Europe could resume in March 2025
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery has named Brandon O’Daniel as the new head distiller
• High Basin Brands has reached an agreement for an asset purchase of Treaty Oak Brewing and Distilling
• An Indiana man was sentenced to 48 months in prison and over $100k in fines for killing 3 people with an unregistered still
• Still Austin has a new KentuckyFU campaign
• Remus Gatsby Reserve 2024 Edition
• Elkwood 15-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
• Milam & Greene Whiskey Cooper’s Hawk Single Barrel Bourbon
• Hidden Barn Bourbon 2024 Madeira finished bourbon
• Laws Whiskey House Honey Cask Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey finished in a Cognac Foeder
• Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak
• Michter’s 20 Year
• Four Roses introduces the Single Barrel Collection
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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…)