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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Rare Perfection 10 Year from Preservation Distillery brings a 3-barrel micro blend at 130.7 proof… and it gets wild. Sweet oak, chocolate milkshake vibes, smoky savory notes, and one of the most surprising pours of the year.

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 April 24th 2026. Sazerac has formally offered $15 billion to buy Brown Forman, Uncle Nearest could be forced to shut down within 30 days, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of Eagle Rare 30.

Show Notes:

• Jeptha Creed Distillery launches new visitor experiences and single-barrel programs to mark 10th anniversary
• Sazerac launches $15 billion acquisition bid for rival Brown-Forman
• Uncle Nearest faces potential shutdown and insolvency amid financial crisis and default
• Diageo opens new $415 million automated manufacturing facility in Alabama
• Buffalo Trace announces Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon, for $12,500
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon and PDJF partner for limited 140-bottle charity release
• Jack Daniel Distillery debuts Special Release Small Batch Rye aged 10 years
• Michter’s announces first-ever release of US*1 Barrel Strength Sour Mash in May
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. unveils limited Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon
• B.R. Distilling launches unfiltered Blue Note Small Batch Wheated Bourbon
• Maker’s Mark releases 2026 edition of wheat-forward Star Hill Farm Whisky
• Four Roses rolls out second rotation of its Single Barrel Collection nationwide

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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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We’ve been living out of suitcases lately. Between officially opening up the West Coast and those back-to-back market visits, it’s been a whirlwind, but it’s the only way to really see how the brand is landing on the ground. On today’s episode, we’re recapping those travels and diving deep into the inception of Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon. We talk about the momentum we’re seeing from one release to the next and how a successful launch like this actually dictates our LTO strategy as we start mapping out the calendar for the rest of 2026 and even into 2027.

We also get into the weeds on the “finishing” craze. There is a lot of noise in the market right now, so we’re asking the hard questions: Does a wood-finished product actually land better with the consumer than a wine, spirit, or even a honey-maple finish? Plus, we get honest about the “gut feeling”—could we tell Sakura Bloom was going to be a hit before it ever touched a shelf, or is it always a gamble until the first reviews start rolling in?

Show Notes:

• Market Challenges and Opportunities
• Product Development: Sakura Bloom Bourbon
• Consumer Reception and Market Trends
• The Anticipation of Product Success
• Building Trust with Consumers
• The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
• Future Product Strategies and Market Adaptation

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Bardstown Bourbon’s new Cascadia Garryana Finish takes straight bourbon whiskey and gives it a unique Garryana oak barrel finish. The result brings rich baking spice, cocoa, brown sugar, and a surprising pear cobbler note that makes this one seriously memorable.

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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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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Leiper’s Fork’s 8 year Single Barrel Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey completely caught us off guard. At 121.6 proof and $85, this bottle delivers rich raspberry, chocolate mousse, deep barrel char, and layers of syrupy flavor that left us asking: is this one of the best Tennessee whiskeys we’ve ever had?

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 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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Angel’s Envy’s 2025 10 year cask strength release brings port-finished richness, deep oak, dark fruit syrup, and wild berry pastry vibes at 122.6 proof. We break down why this limited annual release might be one of their most balanced yet.

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 April 3rd 2026. Brown-Forman Corp. and Pernod Ricard have confirmed mutual interest in a merger, two lawsuits have been dismissed for competing bourbon brands, and Larrikin Bourbon has released its third annual “Pour for the Roses”.

Show Notes:

• Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard confirm mutual interest in a “merger of equals” to consolidate two of the world’s largest spirits portfolios while maintaining family control
• Green River Distilling parts ways with Head Distiller Aaron Harris as the Owensboro facility faces further workforce contractions
• LF Heritage Distilling Co. property ordered to foreclosure and sale following a $5 million debt dispute with construction contractors
• MGP Ingredients clears securities fraud lawsuit after a judge rules leadership mismanaged market shifts rather than intentionally misleading investors
• Brough Brothers loses appeals court challenge against Fresh Bourbon over the “first” Black-owned Kentucky distillery claim
• Larrikin Bourbon launches “Pour for the Roses – 2026 Running,” a 9-year single barrel expression featuring vintage feed bag packaging for the Kentucky Derby
• Proof & Wood introduces its first Bottled in Bond expression with an 11-year Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon featuring a unique 99% corn mashbill
• Hard Truth Distilling Co. debuts its first 7-year age-stated trio, featuring Sweet Mash Rye, Bourbon, and Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely on their Indiana campus

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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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Garrison Brothers returns with the 2025 Cowboy Bourbon, a hazmat-level 146.4 proof Texas release hand-selected by master distiller Donnis Todd. With bold vanilla cola, cream soda sweetness, peppery Texas spice, and deep barrel intensity, this high-proof bourbon delivers big flavor without overwhelming heat. We break down whether this limited annual release is truly worth the hype and the $250 price tag.

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 March 27th 2026. Uncle Nearest back at it again, Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the inaugural release of Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old, and Evan Williams is releasing five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles.

Show Notes:

• Van Gogh Fast feature film set to shoot at Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries this spring
• Receiver requests gag order and $75,000 in sanctions against Uncle Nearest founder Fawn Weaver
• Reyes Beverage Group to acquire RNDC operations across 10 states and Washington, D.C.
• Bardstown Bourbon Co. countersues former HR VP over alleged disclosure of confidential information
• Gulf Coast package stores sue Ruan Transport over state liquor warehouse software glitch
• Remus Bourbon launches Remus Bottle Club quarterly direct-to-consumer subscription service
• Four Roses Distillery debuts permanent “Meet Me With Four Roses” brand campaign
• Heaven Hill Distillery adds Elijah Craig Single Barrel 15-Year-Old Bourbon to permanent portfolio
• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. debuts 10-Year-Old Henry Kraver’s Reserve Bourbon
• Jake Norris returns to Colorado craft scene with The Curated Barrel Project online-only releases
• Blue Run Spirits and Atlanta Braves partner for commemorative 60th-anniversary bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Distillery unveils $550 Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat aged 10 years
• Evan Williams drops five limited-edition Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles
• Jack Daniel’s announces sweepstakes for latest Aged Series bottle releases in Lynchburg
• Lux Row Distillers announces Blood Oath Pact 12 finished in Italian wine casks
• Horse Soldier Bourbon launches ultra-premium 13-year Liberty Edition for America’s 250th anniversary
• National Bourbon Week returns to Bardstown, Kentucky, June 14-21, 2026

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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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