It’s This Week in Bourbon for April 11th, 2025. Buffalo Trace stops production from flooding, bourbon is exempt from EU tariffs, Pursuit launches the Mellwood Legacy Collection.

Show Notes:

• Buffalo Trace Distillery temporarily closed due to Kentucky flooding.
• EU exempts bourbon from new US retaliatory tariffs after lobbying.
• EU enforces 20-year-old agreement, reclassifying European ‘rye whisky’.
• Heaven Hill fills first barrel at new Bardstown distillery after 29 years.
• Gigi Burris partners with Woodford Reserve for Kentucky Derby hat collection.
• Oxmoor Bourbon Co. becomes official partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
• Westward Whiskey maker House Spirits files for bankruptcy protection.
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail sees record 2.7 million visitors in 2024.
• Woodford Reserve offers $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cups for Kentucky Derby.
• Barrell Craft Spirits releases P.X. Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon, $84.99.
• Jack Daniel’s releases McLaren F1 Team limited edition whiskey, 86 proof.
• Bluegrass Distillers launches Elkwood Reserve Finished Series, 119 proof, $105.
• Penelope Bourbon releases Peach Old Fashioned bottled cocktail, 80 proof, $29.99.
• Keeneland, Maker’s Mark honor Lexington with “Greats of the Gate” bottle, $179.99.
• Dancing Goat releases #8 I Would Rye 4 U, port finished rye, 108 proof, $60.
• Elijah Craig named “Official Bourbon” of 2025 PGA Championship, commemorative bottle $36.99.
• Old Dominick releases 7-Year Wheat Whiskey Single Barrel, $60-$70.
• The Last Drop releases 27 Year Old Buffalo Trace Bourbon, 121.8 proof, $10,500.
• Maker’s Mark debuts Star Hill Farm Whisky, first wheat whisky, 114.7 proof, $100.
• Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon becomes permanent US offering, $45
• Support this podcast on Patreon

This is one of my favorite types of episodes because this bourbon world is full of hype, flops, superstitions, and just weird stuff. We return to this beloved format of is something over, under, or properly rated. We ask if the iconic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, whiskey collections, MGP, cigar blends, speakeasies and more as we ask are these over, under, or properly rated?

Show Notes:

• The Old Fashioned vs. Manhattan: cocktail preferences of whiskey enthusiasts
• Scotch: overrated or properly rated?
• Discussing MGP’s role in the market: reputation vs. reality
• The evolution of whiskey collections and wise collecting practices
• Cigar blends: a trend or a genuine innovation?
• Light whiskey: its place in the greater whiskey landscape
• The value of tasting flights and the allure of speakeasy bars
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Penelope Wheated Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 95 proof and $40 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’re probably reading the title to this podcast going, what? a podcast from 2018? Yes, this is a never before aired episode that Ryan and I recorded at Bourbon Bonanza back in 2018. So here’s the story. Bourbon Bonanza was an offshoot event that would happen during Kentucky Bourbon Festival but wasn’t associated with the festival. It was tied in with Willett so there were a lot of influential people at the time that came to this event. Ryan and I took our equipment, plus our very first release of Pursuit Series, into what was Harrison-Smith House at the time which is now the new Chicken Cock visitor center and we sat down with Bill Thomas of Jack Rose in Washington DC and Mike Miller of Delilah’s in Chicago, who still to this day run the most successful whiskey bars in the country. There is also a small appearance by Tatsumi at the very end and you will hear his story as a part of this episode. The sound environment was challenging and I wasn’t happy with how the audio turned out. Let’s fast forward almost 7 years and audio cleanup software has gotten so good that it’s now time to release it. We talk about the festival, barrel picks, community, and trends they were seeing at the time. So here you go, a blast from the past with an unreleased archive episode.

Show Notes:

• Bourbon Bonanza Festival Highlights
• Bourbon Culture Transformation
• Community Building in Bourbon
• Enjoyment vs. Investment in Collecting
• Personal Whiskey Memories
• New Distillery Discoveries
• Insights on Barrel Picks
• Trends in the Bourbon Market
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90.4 proof and $200 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 March 21st, 2025. A brand new auction record hits with a Van Winkle Private selection, Heaven Hill launches the Connoisseur Club, and Booker’s releases the first batch of 2025.

Show Notes:

• Holladay Distillery breaks ground on Rickhouse D, ironclad bourbon aging.
• Old Rip Van Winkle bottle sells for record $125,000 at Sotheby’s.
• Heaven Hill launches Connesuir Club, exclusive bourbon access.
• Lux Row Distillers releases Blood Oath Pact 11, Tequila barrel finish, $129.99.
• Michter’s releases 10 Year Bourbon, 94.4 proof, $195.
• Buzzard’s Roost releases Signature Double Oak Bourbon, 100 proof, $45.
• Booker’s Batch “Barry’s Batch” 2025 released, 125.7 proof, $99.99.
• New Riff releases Silver Grove Bourbon and Rye, 110.3 and 110.2 proof, $55.99.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Video is the hot new way to share. Social media platforms are way different now that TikTok turned it all upside down. I’ve always been fascinated with one creator that has great camera work but also good taste and thats Tyler Zoller from Louisville Bourbon Buzz. We explore his journey from portrait photography to bourbon-focused content creation. Since launching his Instagram in 2015, Tyler has navigated the challenges of bourbon photography, blending high-quality images with short-form video trends that go absolutely viral. Tyler shares insights on building client relationships, emphasizing authenticity over flashy marketing, and we also dive into another passion of his which is exploring abandoned places. He also reveals ambitious plans for YouTube to create longer, community-focused content that deepens engagement with his followers.

Show Notes:

• Where did the name Louisville Bourbon Buzz come from?
• How did you originally get into photography before bourbon?
• What unique challenges does bourbon photography present?
• What was the turning point for your content strategy?
• How does Tyler handle client relationships and build his business?
• What’s the backstory behind his fascination with abandoned places?
• How does the dynamic of creating content for various platforms differ?
• What are Tyler’s plans for YouTube and long-form content?
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Four Roses Single Barrel Collection. These 7-9 year old bourbons are 100 proof and $50 MSRP each. 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 March 21st, 2025. 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced tickets on sale, Brewzle announces their first Master Blender Collaboration, and David Jennings launches Caleb’s Crossing.

Show Notes:

• Diageo ends Distill Ventures brand intake, resulting in job losses.
• InvestBev partners for $100M Kentucky Bourbon barrel acquisition.
• Lexington man charged with unlicensed whiskey sales, thousands of bottles.
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2025 tickets on sale April 17th.
• Yellowstone Bourbon Small Batch 107 released, 6-year age statement, $44.99.
• Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond Rye released, 100 proof, $64.99.
• Old Potrero Hotaling’s Bottled in Bond Rye released, 50% ABV, $199.
• Max Homa, Elijah Craig release 8-year Toasted Barrel pick, 126.6 proof.
• Brewzle, Old Dominick release Master Blender Collaboration, $90 bundle.
• Milam & Greene Gray Wolf Bourbon released, 125.5 proof, $149.99.
• Stephen Curry releases Gentleman’s Cut Rye, 4,000 days aged, $333.
• Maker’s Mark Keepers Release 2025 announced, 109.2 proof, $74.99.
• Caleb’s Crossing whiskey launched, Bourbon and Rye, $149.99 each.
• Shaquille O’Neal invests in BeatBox RTDs, releases Blueberry Lemonade.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

What do we have in common with Bob Dylan? Not much except that we enjoy the whiskey brand he’s aligned himself with. We’re not getting Bob on the show but we wanted to talk to someone who really knows their portfolio and that’s going to be Adam Edwards, the National Brand Ambassador for Heaven’s Door Whiskey. From the outset, Adam brings humor to his role, setting the tone about his journey from wine aficionado to bourbon ambassador. He shares his development in the spirits industry, beginning in Louisville before making pivotal moves at Trader Joe’s and Rabbit Hole Distillery. Adam dives into the origins of Heaven’s Door and where music legend Bob Dylan intertwines, detailing its strategic direction, including how they’ve navigated pricing and product offerings to stay competitive.

Show Notes:

• Adam’s journey from wine to bourbon and its cultural significance in Kentucky.
• Career highlights from Kroger to Trader Joe’s and Rabbit Hole Distillery.
• Overview of Heaven’s Door Whiskey, its ties to Bob Dylan, and future plans.
• The dual role of a brand ambassador in sales and consumer education.
• Personal reflections on alcohol consumption and responsibility in the spirits industry.
• Insights into the sustainable practices behind Heaven’s Door and their evolving rye offerings.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hard Truth Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey. This 5 year old rye is 106.9 proof and $70 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 March 14th, 2025. I can’t believe we’re still talking about tariffs, the University of Kentucky has a new Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Chattanooga Whiskey releases Experimental Single Batch Series Pre Prohibition Style.

Show Notes:

• Trump delays Mexico, Canada tariffs to April 2nd.
• EU plans 50% whiskey tariff April 1st, may target other US spirits.
• Bourbon documentary filmed at Oxmoor Farm, streaming Spring 2025.
• UK launches Estate Whiskey Certified program for authenticated whiskeys.
• Larrikin Bourbon Co. appoints Barbara McDonald as Assistant Distiller.
• Diageo pauses Lebanon distillery production for productivity goals.
• Tequila regulator sues Additive Free Alliance for misleading consumers.
• Remus Bourbon launches Master Distiller Experimental Series, 107 proof, $79.99.
• 15 STARS releases Three Ports Fine-Aged Bourbon, 103 proof, $179.
• Chattanooga Whiskey Batch 043: Pre Prohibition Style, 110 proof, $69.99.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

It’s time for that three letter acronym we all love to talk about, MGP! This is one episode that has been waiting for us as we always wanted to know if we could tell the difference between multple MGP sources. We set ourselves up for a thrilling blind tasting of six MGP whiskey products. We explore the complexities of MGP’s whiskey production, discussing how craft distillers now wear MGP as a badge of honor that was contridictaory to its past. The tasting becomes a friendly competition as we identify unique flavors and characteristics, emphasizing variations in price and age. We also get a eat a piece of humble pie as well when we reveal the results.

Show Notes:

• The conversation segues into how AI is changing content creation.
• Insights into MGP’s history and significance in the whiskey world.
• Details about the specific MGP products being tasted, including flavor notes and individual characteristics.
• Reflection on the role of sourcing versus crafting whiskey.
• Highlights from the blind tasting experience and the final rankings.
• Encouragement for listener engagement and suggestions for future episodes.
• Closing thoughts on the evolution of distilling practices and the bourbon landscape.
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Town Branch 15 Year Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey Archive Series Vol. 1. This 15 year old whiskey is 100 proof and $400 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 March 7th, 2025. Willett Artist Series Vol. II goes on sale, there’s a new british bourbon, and Woodford Reserve releases the Derby 151 bottle.

Show Notes:

• Willett art-bourbon series launches, charity focused, King Saladeen designs.
• Trump tariffs impact Mexico, Canada; retaliatory tariffs follow.
• MGP sales decline 16%, refocusing on branded spirits.
• Lofted Spirits merges distilleries, emphasizes Kentucky bourbon.
• Southern Distilling rebrands contract division, Statesville Contract Distilling.
• Old Carter Whiskey sells for $20.5M+ in global auction.
• British distillery launches “grain to bottle” bourbon, defying tariffs.
• High West Bourye 2025: Rye, bourbon blend, 10-year, $124.99 SRP.
• Penelope Rio: Honey, Amburana oak finish, 98 proof, “carnival in a bottle.”
• Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit: 17-year Kentucky bourbon, non-chill filtered, $200 SRP.
• Buzzard’s Roost French Oak Batch 2: Precision-toasted stave finish, $85 SRP.
• Woodford Reserve 2025 Derby Bottle: Lahera art, Kentucky Derby tribute, $49.99 SRP.
• Support this podcast on Patreon