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Whiskey Quickie: Heaven’s Door Bootleg Volume V Bourbon Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heaven’s Door Bootleg Volume V Bourbon. This 18-year-old bourbon is 114 proof and $600 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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TWiB: New Documentary Called Bourbon Blaze, Rebel Bourbon Joins NASCAR, Templeton Whiskey Unveils Templeton Bourbon



It’s This Week in Bourbon for January 12th 2024. A new bourbon documentary comes out today called Bourbon Blaze, Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing, and Templeton Whiskey Unveils their Templeton Straight Bourbon.

Show Notes:

  • Spec’s had their massive drop. So camping is alive and well.
  • Bourbon Blaze: The Night That Tested America’s Spirit
  • Banks Festival demonstrates its commitment to community impact
  • Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has acquired US-based independent bottler Single Cask Nation
  • Middle West Spirits has completed a new world-class distillery in Columbus, Ohio
  • Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing
  • Traveller Whiskey
  • Templeton Straight Bourbon
  • @specs1962 @bourbononthebanks @singlecasknation @middlewestspirits @rebelbourbon @templetondistillery
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

444 – Our Big 2024 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #89



This is the first roundtable of 2024 and, as usual, we want to pack it with our best 2024 predictions of the year. Some may seem obvious, some may seem way out of left field, and some are even dreary. Yet, the current landscape of bourbon has changed so we’re in for another wild ride in 2024!

Show Notes:

  • Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about drinking too much water.
  • Our 2024 Predictions. Sorry, no spoilers.
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

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Whiskey Quickie: Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect Whiskey Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect Whiskey. This non-age stated whiskey is 118.1 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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443 – The Current State of Collecting Whiskey with Nate Gana



There was a huge buying frenzy during the pandemic, but where is the secondary market of bourbon headed? We saw a huge boom and that bubble is starting to deflate a bit. Nata Gana originally started as a whiskey-focused Instagram account and worked directly with brands, but has since evolved into a writer covering the entire spirits industry and has also began curating his own sample packs out in the market called Bevridge. As secondary whiskey market values skyrocketed the past decade, iconic bottles like Pappy Van Winkle became difficult to obtain, yet seem poised to stall. Nate gives his opinion on the state of collecting and what allocated bottles are worth the chase and where he sees the bottom falling out.

Show Notes:

  • Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about present day prohibition on our economy.
  • How did you initially monetize your Instagram account?
  • Are the guidelines changing for how brands have to interact with influencers?
  • When did the transition change from Instagram to bring a writer?
  • What is your philosophy on collecting and holding to sell versus flipping?
  • What is the current state of the secondary market and will it rebound to where it was?
  • Will Pappy Van Winkle sustain its current value?
  • What whiskey category do you think has room to grow in value?
  • Talk about your Bevridge sample packs.
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

Whiskey Quickie: Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey (2023) Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye is 108.9 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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TWiB: Marianne Eaves Sues Castle & Key, RD1 Spirits Plans A New Location, A Look Back on 2023



It’s This Week in Bourbon for December 29th 2023. Marianne Eaves is suing Castle & Key, RD1 Spirits in Lexington has announced plans to build a new location, and a look back on 2023.

Show Notes:

  • Anthony Dias Blue, founder of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, has passed
  • Marianne Eaves is suing Castle & Key
  • Algoma Capital has closed a strategic transaction with Off Hours Bourbon
  • Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company joins the KDA
  • A new lawsuit against the federal ban on at-home distilling
  • Federal tobacco regulators ban Luckee Vape Daniels branded products
  • RD1 Spirits in Lexington has announced plans to build a new location.
  • Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 035: Centenary Cask
  • Very Olde St. Nick Winter Maple
  • Look back on our biggest accomplishments this year
  • @mariannebmd @castleandkey @drinkoffhours @lawrenceburgbourbon @rd1spirits @chattwhiskey @preservationdistillery
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

442 – Basil to Booker’s and Building a Global Brand with Tim Heuisler of Jim Beam



Becoming a global brand ambassador for a major spirits company like Jim Beam involves building close relationships throughout the three-tier distribution system and constantly adapting branding and marketing as consumer tastes evolve. We invited Tim Heuiseler on the show. He’s gone from the behind the bar to traveling globe as a Brand Ambassador to preach the gospel of Jim Beam’s small batch portfolio. We talk about how their offerings span everything from lower-proof introductory with Basil Hayden to the powerhouse that is Booker’s and how to deliver that message consistently. In addition, he takes note of competitor innovations and emerging drink trends so they can launch new marquee expressions like Hardin’s Creek to stay ahead of the game.

Show Notes:

  • Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the length of decanted whiskey.
  • How does one become a global brand ambassador?
  • How much is involved in building relationships in the three tier system?
  • Does the branding strategy change as consumer habits change?
  • At what point does a brand have enough steam and you have to pivot and focus on a certain product?
  • When you go international, how do you change a culture to adopt bourbon when they focus on other spirits?
  • Is Basil Hayden your introductory whiskey for everyone?
  • How do you replicate Fred and Freddie Noe into your own presentation?
  • What does “small batch” mean to Jim Beam?
  • Why get into single malt?
  • When is the next Booker’s Rye coming?
  • If you see a competitor coming out with something new how do you report that back?
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

Whiskey Quickie: Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Tennessee Rye Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Tennessee Rye. This non-age stated rye is 100 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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TWiB: Almost 3 Barrels For Every Person in Kentucky, EU SuspendsTariffs on American Whiskey, New Record Set for Bourbon at Auction



It’s This Week in Bourbon for December 22nd 2023. There’s almost 3 barrels for every 1 person aging in Kentucky, the EU suspends the tariffs on American whiskey, and a new record has been set for unicorn whiskeys.

Show Notes:

  • There’s almost 3 barrels for every 1 person aging in Kentucky
  • Les Fugate earns Esprit de Corps Award
  • Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails moves production facilities
  • The EU suspends the tariffs on American whiskey
  • The Paddock Bourbon Club opens in Lexington
  • A new record has been set for unicorn whiskeys
  • Lazy K Bar Whiskey with Cole Hauser
  • @kentuckybourbontrail @brownforman @jackdaniels_us @paddockbarlex @lazykbarwhiskey
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

441 – Engineering a Rickhouse with Buzick Construction



We’ve all been driving through bourbon country and been amazed at the rickhouses that paint the country side. But what goes into building and engineering those? Buzick Construction has a long family history in the whiskey business, with their family building multiple rickhouses for Jack Daniel’s. Today, the average size of a rickhouse is 50,000 barrels, presenting engineering challenges compared to older 20,000 barrel ones in terms of weight load, airflow, and temperature control. We brought their President, Donald Blincoe, and chief engineer, Kevin Aldred, on the show to talk about what goes into building a rickhouse. We talk about different wood types, exterior materials, precise airflow design needs and humidity considerations. We also dive into the costs because a rickhouse run into the millions these days. Overall, Buzick has been the name in construction around Bardstown and has a reputation in these time-honored warehouses.

Show Notes:

  • Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about food and whiskey pairing
  • Talk about the history of Buzick Construction
  • How many rickhouses did your great grandfather build for Jack Daniel’s?
  • Do you have a patent on the ricking system?
  • What’s the average size of rickhouse today?
  • How did the engineering change when going from 20,000 to 50,000 barrel rickhouses?
  • Do you have to defend your plans to local governments and municipalities?
  • What options do you have when building such as wood types?
  • What’s the usual cost for building a rickhouse?
  • How do you design for airflow?
  • Do you have to go into older buildings and modernize them?
  • What is the preferred exterior material to use now?
  • Does creating a heat controlled warehouse interfere with natural flow?
  • Have there been any crazy requests for rickhouses like a smart rickhouse?
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

Whiskey Quickie: Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 113.3 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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TWiB: Pursuit Spirits Is Open For Public Tours, Heaven’s Door Joins the KDA, Old Forester117 Scotch Cask Finish



It’s This Week in Bourbon for December 15th 2023. Pursuit Spirits is officially open for public tours, Heaven’s Door joins the Kentucky Distillers Association
and Old Forester is releasing the newest 117 series Scotch Cask Finish.

Show Notes:

  • TikTok Live Featuring Kevin of Bourbon Notes and Pursuit United
  • Give 270 launches 20/20 Unicorn
  • Matt Porter becomes Master Blender at Barrel King
  • Heaven’s Door Distillery joins KDA
  • Pursuit Spirits is officially open for public tours
  • Old Forester 117 Scotch Cask Finish
  • Milam and Greene White-Tailed Buck Single Barrel Bourbon
  • A. Smith Bowman Distillery Cask Strength Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit
  • @pursuitspirits @adhdwhiskey @barrelkingbourbon @heavensdoorwhiskey @oldforster @milamandgreenewhiskey @a.@smithbowman @empiricalph @doritos
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

440 – Why Don’t Acquired Brands Get Consumer Blowback and 2023 Predictions Review on Bourbon Community Roundtable #88



It’s the final Bourbon Community Roundtable of the year it’s number 88. In typical fashion we have two topics. First is wondering why there isn’t a consumer blowback when a brand gets acquired. It happens all the time in beer when a small craft brand is gobbled up by a large corporation and there is a small piece that dies. In the second half of the show we revisit our 2023 predictions to see who got it right and who got it wrong.

Show Notes:

  • Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the expiration date of whiskey
  • Why is there never consumer blowback when a bourbon brand get acquired?
  • Let’s review our 2023 predictions
  • Support this podcast on Patreon

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Whiskey Quickie: Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review



On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels. This finished rye is 114.4 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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