On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon #23A0276 (2023). This 10 year old bourbon is 94.4 proof and $185 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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Today’s Roundtable will take a deeper look into a trend I’ve been noticing and trying to figure out why, as influencers and a community, people keep talking about bottom shelf bourbon like it’s something special. If you are in this hobby, most of us would give it a C rating and consider anything in the sub $20 or $25 category as average. Why do we keep doing this? Who are we trying to convince to drink these bourbons? The people that listen to this show, pay attention to blogs or YouTube’rs, or take whiskey seriously probably aren’t buying $20 bottles and don’t drink just average whiskey. I feel it’s time to elevate the discussion and kill the bottom shelf promotion. If they aren’t average bourbons, then let’s figure out why and talk about criteria to be considered average. If it is a game of dollars, then is it a race to the bottom for the big 6 and why should this audience care if it’s just average whiskey?

Show Notes:

• Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about his parents.
• Why do we keep promoting bottom shelf bourbons?
• Who are we trying to convince to drink these bourbons?
• What makes an average whiskey?
• Should this audience care if it’s just average whiskey?
• @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs
  @bourbonr @sippncorn
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye. This non-age stated rye is 137.3 proof and $65 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 August 18th 2023. Elijah Craig release of its Toasted Barrel finished in European Toasted Oak Barrels. Pernod launches the Mary Dowling Whiskey Company, and Maker’s Mark brings out the double digit age statement with Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon.

Show Notes:

• Ukraine’s included Bacardi in the list of “Official sponsors of War”
• Woodson Bourbon Whiskey announced a partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery completes its renovation at the Marathon Village whiskey distillery
• Buffalo Wild Wings is introducing Bulleit Bourbon BBQ sauce
• Elijah Craig is releases Limited-Edition Toasted Barrel finished in European Toasted Oak Barrels for the 2023 Ryder Cup
• Graham McTavish has launched a new company called McTavish Spirits
• Pernod launches the Mary Dowling Whiskey Company
• WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded announced a wheat whiskey
• Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release Heritage Barrel Rye
• The return of Baker’s 13 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
• Wolves announces a limited allocation of Lot Two
• Garrison Brothers Distillery releases the Laguna Madre 2023
• Heaven Hill releases the Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
• Maker’s Mark debuts Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon
• Jefferson’s releases Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity
• @bacardi @woodsonwhiskey @nelsongreenbrier @bwwings @bulleit @elijahcraig @grahammctavish @pernodricard @marydowlingwhiskey @whistlepigwhiskey @jackdaniels_us, @wolveswhiskeyca @garrisonbros @heavenhilldistillery @makersmark @jeffersonsbourbon
• Support this podcast on Patreon

The bourbon boom of the last decade has seen many distilleries trying to create a consumer frenzy around their brands. But few have succeeded like Buffalo Trace. This cult-like following seemed to come out of nowhere, taking Buffalo Trace from a solid but unremarkable distillery to a whiskey giant. So I ask the question that was so graciously given to us by a former Above The Char submitter, would bourbon be popular without Buffalo Trace? Other Sazerac-owned brands like Eagle Rare and E.H. Taylor have also benefitted from the company’s popularity. But is it all manufactured hype? Buffalo Trace insists they simply can’t keep up with demand, yet they continually make headlines for holding back new releases. And all this frenzy has been created with minimal advertising. Whether it’s real scarcity or strategic rationing, Buffalo Trace has created a thirst that no other bourbon company can match.

Show Notes:

• Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the end of bourbon hunting
• What other bourbon companies were trying to get a consumer ground swell?
• Why has the entire Buffalo Trace portfolio turned into something people chase?
• Was Buffalo Trace ever on your radar?
• Is this attributed to tying Weller to Pappy?
• Did Buffalo Trace create a FOMO line to draw people in?
• Are other brands benefiting from the Sazerac popularity?
• Is there a scarcity play or do they really not have the stocks?
• How are they making national headlines for not releasing bottles?
• Where has Buffalo Trace advertised because it hasn’t been much?
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Belfour Bourbon Finished in Texas Pecan Wood. This non-age stated finished bourbon is 92 proof and $85 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 August 11th 2023. Molson Coors Beverage Company will acquire Blue Run Spirits, Marussia Beverages acquires Watershed Distillery, and Maker’s Mark puts out a 10 year teaser.

Show Notes:

• Molson Coors Beverage Company will acquire Blue Run Spirits
• Heaven Hill Brands and Log Still Distilling have finalized a mutually agreeable resolution
• Ross and Squibb Distillery announce enhancements to its barrel programs for 2023
• Marussia Beverages acquires Watershed Distillery
• UK cut the ribbon on the James B Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits
• Hemingway Whiskey Company announced the debut of its core expression Hemingway Rye Whiskey Signature Edition
• James B. Beam Distilling Co. is launching the second installment  called Hardin’s Creek Frankfort
• Widow Jane Distillery is launching Paradigm Rye
• Still Austin Whiskey Co. announced the release of Cask Strength Rye Whiskey
• Goose Island has unveiled the 2023 lineup of their annual Bourbon County Stout series
• Maker’s Mark put out a new teaser…Something old is something new
• @coorswhiskeyco @dcoors @bluerunspirits @heavenhilldistillery @logstilldistillery @watersheddistillery @universityofky @beamdistilling @hemingwaywhiskeys @widowjane @stillatx @gooseisland @makersmark
• Support this podcast on Patreon

Every once in a while you run across a brand that has captured lightening in a bottle. For me, I see that as Old Carter. Mark and Sherri Carter join the show to talk about their extensive background in the wine industry, but how bourbon eventually captured his interest and became a new passion. Though he knew how to build a highly-rated wine brand, entering the bourbon world brought fresh challenges. Mark and Sherri connected with Dixon Dedman and launched Kentucky Owl until it sold. After the sale, they stayed focused on super premium bourbons to target whiskey aficionados. If a barrel didn’t suit their ideal flavor profile, they would put it back in the rick rather than compromise quality. But it’s not a complete story without a bit of legal trouble and the Carter name has been no stranger to lawsuits so stick around to hear that one.

Show Notes:

• Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about infinity blends
• You had a big background in wine but when did bourbon come into your life?
• Did you know how to build a wine brand and what attributes to a 100 point wine?
• How did you end up getting connected with Dixon Dedman?
• How do you compete in the wine world?
• What happens when you have a bad vintage?
• After Kentucky Owl sold to Stoli, when did you want to start your own brand?
• Why did you continue going with the super premium route?
• If a barrel doesn’t fit your profile and blend, what do you do with it?
• What was your marketing approach and how did you capture the whiskey geek?
• What’s your sweet spot for your releases and how you choose your whiskeys?
• How many times have you been sued with the Carter name?
• @oldcarterwhiskeyco @oldsherricarter @markcarter52
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Whiskey JYPSI Legacy Batch 001 The Journey. This non-age stated whiskey is 115 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 August 4th 2023. Heaven Hill fills its 10 millionth barrel, the Charlois Group acquires Kelvin Cooperage, and The House of Suntory announces the launch of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend.

Show Notes:

• Heaven Hill fills its 10 millionth barrel
• The Charlois Group acquires Kelvin Cooperage
• Woodford Reserve and Joshua Kissi release The Spirits of Style
• Maker’s Mark launched a new global brand campaign Make Your Mark
• Barrels & Billets joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
• Pennyroyal Barrel Company locates a bourbon incubator
• Lycoming College and Four Birds Distilling Co. are looking to speed up the process of aging bourbon
• From the TTB – Can individuals produce distilled spirits at home with a small still?
• Jack Daniel introduces Distillery Series selection #11, a Tennessee Whiskey finished in añejo tequila barrels
• Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) launched Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 and Rye Batch 004
• The House of Suntory announces the launch of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend
• @heavenhilldistillery @groupecharlois @kelvin_cooperage @woodfordreserve @joshuakissi @makersmark @barrelsandbillets @pennyroyalbarrelco @lycomingcollege @fourbirdsdistilling @jackdaniels_us @barrellbourbon @legentbourbon @suntorywhisky @beamsuntory @houseofsuntory_uk
• Support this podcast on Patreon

You might be wondering if we’ve hit peak bourbon. Bottles are everywhere and people are flocking to Kentucky in droves trying to get a Napa Valley kind of experience. Sean Higgins joins the show once again to talk about the growth of tourism, and he should know. He started Mint Julep Tours back in 2008 after noticing a gap in tourism offerings surrounding the bourbon trail. At the time, Kentucky was not yet booming in tourism like it is today. Fast forward to 2023, and bourbon tourism has exploded, with Kentucky now being a hot spot and destination as it tops the AirBNB travel charts every week. Sean shares how his business has adapted and grown through the bourbon boom, what the pandemic did for tourism in the state. We also touch on the changing demographic of visitors and innovation he sees within the sector.

Show Notes:

• Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dusty bourbon
• What was the background of Mint Julep tours?
• What state is now the highest for visiting the bourbon trail?
• Have you seen an increase in bachelor and bachelorette parties?
• Do you see smaller or larger groups trending?
• What did COVID do to your business?
• Are we back to pre-COVID tourism numbers or higher?
• What’s the demographic of people coming to visit now?
• Have you established the relationships at distilleries so spots are reserved?
• What innovation have you noticed in the tourism sector?
• Have we even hit mainstream yet for bourbon tourism?
• @mintjulepexperiences
• Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Dancing Goat Distillery #003 A Quirky & Humble Blend Whiskey. This 7 year old whiskey is 105.5 proof and $60 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 July 28th 2023. Pursuit Spirits will open new visitor experience located on Whiskey Row, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour welcomes four new distilleries
, and Milam & Greene Whiskey is unveiling the third release in the Wildlife Collection.

Show Notes:

• Pursuit Spirits will open new visitor experience located on Whiskey Row
• The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour  welcomes four new distilleries
• TPSA, BAT, WSWT, and TDSA enact new Texas Distillery laws
• The classic Casio G-Shock 5600 series gets a bourbon look
• Ross & Squibb Distillery announce Remus Highest Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Milam & Greene Whiskey is unveiling the third release in the Wildlife Collection, Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon
• @pursuitspirits @casio_us @milamandgreenwhiskey @rossandsquibb
• Support this podcast on Patreon

It’s everyone’s favorite, Bourbon Community Roundtable, and this is the 83rd edition. This episode gets, we’ll say passionate at times because this is tackling the craze of finishes. The first topic is the seemingly abundance of “cigar” blend or batch bourbons. Why is this so attractive? Can’t anything be called a cigar blend? I thought the whole point of a good cigar and a good bourbon is because they already naturally pair well. That of course spins into some amburana talk and you know how that ends up. In the second half of the show, I turn my attention to the major distilleries who are putting out finishes as limited or special releases. These distilleries have an abundance of really good bourbon, so why play the game of finished when you can rely on something like a special release with a double digit age statement?

Show Notes:

• Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) having a whiskey trust.
• What does “cigar blend” really mean?
• Who here likes amburana?
• Why do the major distilleries release finished bourbon when they have a bunch of really good inventory?
• Support this podcast on Patreon

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On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bluebird Days Whiskey. This 6 1/2 year old whiskey is 86 proof and $50 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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