It’s This Week in Bourbon for January 10th, 2025. Redwood Empire Whiskey acquires Savage & Cooke distillery, Glencairn has taken legal action, and Old Forester 1924 is returning to shelves for a second year.

Show Notes:

• InvestBev Credit & Rare Character Whiskey
• Redwood Empire Acquires Savage & Cooke
• Glencairn Legal Action
• Give 270 Charity Raffle
• Fireball Flo Turns 106
• Log Still Trinity Blend
• WhistlePig Alcohol-Free Cocktail
• October London Bourbon Collaboration with Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon
• Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series #14
• Old Forester 1924 Returns
• Support this podcast on Patreon

The first Bourbon Community Roundtable of the year means it’s time for our 2025 predictions! The first half of the show we talk about everything we got wrong. In fact, we got way more wrong than we got right. I won’t give too much of it away but our 2025 predictions span potential new brands, the growing prominence of American single malts, the influence of social media, especially TikTok, the return of age-stated bourbons and how flavored whiskies might entice younger drinkers.

Show Notes:

• Reflection on predictions from 2024 and admissions of mistakes
• Anticipated impacts of government regulations on the bourbon landscape
• The trend of flavored whiskies appealing to a younger demographic
• Expectations for IJW’s potential new brand launch
• Increased scrutiny on alcohol marketing and compliance challenges
• The influential role of TikTok in bourbon narratives
• Predictions on a revival of age-stated products and craft distilling innovations
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Watch Hill Batch 02. This 20 year old is 124.1 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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Got any Blanton’s in the back? Where are you hiding the Pappy? Those are some things you could say to a store owner and be laughed out the door. And believe me, you can take our word for it because we’ve been there and spent years of our lives hunting bourbon. Ryan, Fred and myself talk about the cardinal sins of bourbon hunting. What are those things you should never do when bourbon hunting to remain a good spot, stay in the graces of liquor store owners, and the proper etiquette when camping for special releases.

Show Notes:

• The Art of Bourbon Hunting Etiquette
• Concerns for the Future of Bourbon
• Cardinal Sins of Bourbon Hunting
• Building Relationships with Liquor Stores
• Distillery Release Strategies
• Building Relationships in Bourbon Hunting
• Hacking in Bourbon Releases
• The Changing Landscape of Bourbon Hunting
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B. This non-age stated is 120.2 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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Bourbon Pursuit’s year-end wrap-up with our Whiskeys of they Year and plans for 2025.

Show Notes:

• Year-End Reflections
• Podcast Highlights
• New Studio Excitement
• Pursuit Spirits Vision
• Anticipating PursuitPalooza
• Distillery Visits and Experiences
• Looking Ahead to 2025
• Membership and Engagement Plans
• Whiskeys of the Year
• Closing Thoughts and Cheers
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye. This non-age stated rye is 100 proof and $75 MSRP (375ml). 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 want to hear about sweet mash whiskey? Well, this is the episode for you. We first got introduced to Hard Truth a few years ago and when we tried their rye, we were floored. It only took a small amount of time for many others to find out and now Hard Truth has become a recognizable name in the world of crafy whiskey. Their Master Distiller, Bryan Smith, joins the show to talk about their beginnings and how a conversation with Shane and Pat from Wilderness Trail put them on a path to be known as the purveyors of sweet mash rye whiskey.

Show Notes:

• The Story of Hard Truth Distilling
• The Sweet Mash Technique
• Visitor Experience and Brand Growth
• Diversifying the Product Portfolio
• Navigating Market Confusion in Whiskey Branding
• The Origin of the Hard Truth Name
• Balancing Tradition and Innovation
• The Importance of Authenticity in Whiskey
• Challenges of Distribution and Market Penetration
• The Role of the Master Distiller
• Future Trends and Market Positioning in Whiskey
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2024 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The collection includes: Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye 18 Year, and Thomas H. Handy. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $150. What’s our favorite this year? Watch to find out. 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 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.

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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

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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.

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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