It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and we’re handing the reins over to our Patreon supporters to see what’s actually on your minds. We’re pulling back the curtain on our chaotic group chat to debate the “Dusty” vs. Modern era and why some single barrel picks just hit different. Ryan is still leading the charge for high-proof heat, while Blake breaks down why balance is the only thing that keeps a brand relevant in a crowded market. We’re also digging into the finished whiskey craze and what the latest round of distillery consolidations means for your wallet. At the end of the day, we’re looking past the labels to find the soul of the industry. Does a great story still trump a massive marketing budget? We’re breaking down the trends, the hype, and the reality of being an enthusiast in 2026. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

Show Notes:

• The art of cocktail creativity: Best unexpected spirit swaps
• Are finished barrel whiskeys a fleeting trend?
• Insights on modern bottling techniques and the revival of “Dusty” bottles
• How distillery consolidation impacts consumer choices
• High-proof spirits: Preference shifts and cocktail accessibility
• The journey of craft distilleries and the stories behind their creations
• The role of storytelling in enriching the bourbon experience

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Is the bourbon market hitting a breaking point, or are we just drowning in a sea of average whiskey? Or maybe we’re just trying to pick at things because that’s what we do! Today’s show didn’t have a theme other than airing some grievances we see across the bourbon landscape. And the guy who has all the hot takes is Matt “The Colonel” Kusek. Matt never pulls his punches, and today we’ll talk about the non-stop barrage of Limited Time Offerings (LTOs) and if NDPs are more exciting now than traditional heritage distilleries. We kick things off with a candid look at the struggle of creating fresh content in a saturated market and ask the tough question, has the rush to release more bottles caused a massive dip in quality? We’ve seen it in secondary markets because if every release is special then nothing is special. We also dive into the psychology of the “hunt” and why consumer demands are shifting. Matt poses a challenge to the big brands, questioning if they’re falling behind while smaller, more nimble players to innovate. And we debate the future of “trophy” bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and whether collectability can survive. If you’ve ever looked at a shelf of $100 bottles and wondered if any are actually worth it, maybe this episode will tell you it’s all psychology.

Show Notes:

• The challenges of producing engaging content in the bourbon industry
• The current state and originality of limited-time offerings
• Consumer behavior and the perception of high-status brands like Pappy Van Winkle
• The impact of non-distiller producers on quality and collectible options
• Humorous tales from personal barrel picks and bourbon adventures
• Predictions for the future of collectible and innovative whiskeys

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Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky’s most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It’s no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the ’60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon’s powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won’t ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon.

Show Notes:

• Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns
• Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels
• The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues
• Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality
• Variances in THC regulations across different states
• Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages
• Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries
• Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape
• Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception

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What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan’s and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills’ legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the “friendly” rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves.

Show Notes:

• American single malt production insights
• The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques
• The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch
• Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills
• Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts

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It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and the panel is locked, loaded, and ready to talk about the one number that drives every enthusiast crazy: The Proof. We look at how we all start with those easy-drinking, low-proof staples like Kentucky Tavern before eventually finding ourselves chasing the high-octane allure of barrel-strength pours. We even get into some fun hypotheticals—if you could sample the same bourbon at every proof point from barrel to 80, how would that change your understanding of your favorite brand? Whether you’re a 90-proof purist or a barrel-strength junkie, we’re breaking down why the best bottle on your shelf is ultimately the one that tastes the best to you. Is the industry pushing proof too far, or have we finally found the sweet spot? We’re debating it all.

Show Notes:

• Evolution of bourbon drinking from low proof to high proof
• Insights into how proof affects whiskey blending and flavor
• Discussion on consumer perception of barrel-proof vs. proofed-down expressions
• Exploration of notable brands and their proof characteristics
• Fun hypotheticals regarding proof sampling experiences
• Final thoughts on the importance of proof in the bourbon journey

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Can a forgotten, dusty bottle of bourbon actually save a life? That’s the question we’re tackling today with the one and only Fred Minnick. Fred gives us a first hand account of this personal project from his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life. Fred gets incredibly candid about his battles with PTSD following his military service and how the legacy of Old Crow, a brand many today just overlook on the bottom shelf, played a pivotal role in his journey toward healing. But it’s not all heavy; in classic Fred fashion, he shares some hilarious and heartwarming personal anecdotes, including the story of his first date with his wife and how she has been someone who has pushed him in his bourbon career. We also go into the history of the legendary James C. Crow and how his innovations shaped the industry we love today. This episode is more than just a history lesson. it’s a powerful look at resilience, the importance of storytelling, and a reminder to keep chasing your passion no matter how tough the road gets.

Show Notes:

• Fred’s inspiration to write “Bottom Shelf”
• How Fred’s military background influenced his bourbon narrative
• Funny highlights from Fred and Jacqueline’s early relationship
• How Crow shaped modern bourbon practices
• What shifts occurred in the bourbon market due to National Distillers
• What Fred means by discovering your personal passion
• Why honesty is crucial in the narratives of bourbon
• How bourbon represents resilience and personal growth

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Have you ever wondered how all these brands get into a bottle without owning a multi-million dollar distillery? We’ve talked about sourcing before but that’s just one part of the puzzle. In this episode, we’re going to talk about that second step, co-packing. We’re joined by Jeff Wuslich, he’s the President of Cardinal Spirits and Cardinal Copacking, to break down what it takes to actually manufacture booze at scale. Jeff has a background in manufacturing and slowly became a cornerstone of the Indiana craft scene. Jeff also has their own brands they use to showcase their abilities and have relationships with powerhouses like MGP. One thing that interested me was RTDs and the explosion of the canned cocktail movement, but as Jeff will talk about there are some massive compliance headaches that come with them. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label or just want to know how the industry actually moves behind the scenss, this one side you need to understand..

Show Notes:

• The journey of launching a spirits brand in Indiana
• Understanding the co-packing process and client communications
• The relationship with MGP and its effects on business
• Emerging trends in the spirits industry, including ready-to-drink options
• Compliance issues and industry regulations in co-packing
• Financial insights and pricing dynamics in co-packing
• Tips for aspiring distillers navigating the co-packing landscape

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Where do you go when you’re on top? That could be said for elite quarterbacks or CEOs of top 20 global companies. But if you’re the master distiller for the largest whiskey brand on planet earth, what could you possibly do next? We get to answer that today as we are honored to have Jeff Arnett back on the show. He was a prior guest back on Episode 150 when he carried the title of Master Distiller for Jack Daniel’s. Since then, he’s gone into a new venture and is now testing his grit in startup life as a partner with Company Distilling. We talk about the feelings he had when he left and what sort of vision he set for himself with this new role. We get into the business a bit further with distribution and more but I won’t spoil the insight he shares.

Show Notes:

• Jeff’s pivotal decision to leave Jack Daniel’s after 20 years
• The creative freedom he found at Company Distilling
• Insights on crafting a weeded bourbon with a unique maple finish
• Analysis of the whiskey market’s evolution and consumer trends
• A look at Company Distilling’s community-centric vision
• Reflections on his passion for cars and the shift towards electric vehicles

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It’s that time of year when we polish off the crystal ball and try to guess exactly where the bourbon industry is headed in 2026. The panel dives into some high-stakes predictions on the rise of exclusive distillery clubs and the portential rise of the craft sector by leaning into Direct-to-Consumer sales. We also get into some scarier territory—think tariffs and the possibility of major distilleries actually pausing production—while others weighs in on the acquisition frenzy that’s continuing to reshape the landscape. We also tackle the death of FOMO on limited releases, the push for even higher-proof offerings, and the wild possibility of NIL deals between universities and distilleries. Will your favorite college quarterback have a signature bottle pick soon? We’re breaking it all down to see how economic and political factors will keep the bourbon scene shaking in the year ahead.

Show Notes:

• Bourbon Pursuit explores 2026 predictions for the bourbon industry
• Insights on the future of distillery clubs and exclusive consumer offers
• Discussion on tariff impacts and potential production pauses
• The rising prominence of craft distilleries and direct sales strategies
• Evolution of FOMO among bourbon consumers
• Speculation on NIL partnerships within the bourbon sector
• Insights into how GLP-1 medications might affect drinking habits
• Reflections on past predictions and the industry’s direction

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We all like to think we’re experts after a few pours at the bar, but what does it actually take to be a certified Master of Bourbon? Today we’re joined by two guys who didn’t just stop at being enthusiasts; they went all the way to the top of the credential ladder. We are thrilled to welcome Will Breeden, co-owner of Indiana Small Batch, and Chase Henry, Brand Ambassador for New Riff, to talk about the true grind behind the glass. Will and Chase share their personal journeys, from following family legacies to turning a passion for American whiskey into a full-blown career. But the real meat of this episode is talking about the Master of Bourbon certification through the Council of Whiskey Masters. This isn’t just some weekend course; it’s a rigorous, high-stakes process that demands a staggering depth of knowledge. We talk about the educational hurdles, the career doors it opens, and why this prestigious title is becoming a gold standard in the industry. Ryan and I also put our guests in the hot seat and had them answer some oral exam questions to see how they’d handle the pressure, and let’s just say things got real when the tables were turned they asked us the questions. So whether you’re looking to make the jump from enthusiast to professional or you just want to level up your own whiskey IQ, this may set you down the path to becomg the next Master of Bourbon.

Show Notes:

• Introducing Will Breeden and Chase Henry, their backgrounds, and paths into bourbon
• In-depth discussion on the Master of Bourbon certification and its significance
• Will’s unique career transition from nuclear medicine to bourbon
• Chase’s evolution from Scotch lover to bourbon ambassador
• Breakdown of the examination process, including theory and sensory evaluation
• Personal experiences and unexpected challenges during their certification journey
• Engaging exchanges with sample oral exam questions
• Practical tips for those looking to start their bourbon education
• Recommended resources for further exploration of bourbon certification

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