Jim Rutledge, Master Distiller at Four Roses, joins us for Part 1 of this 2-Part podcast and talks about his education, job history, his love for bowling, and how he brought Four Roses straight bourbon back to the US.

Show Notes:

• What was your first experience with bourbon?
• What was your journey from different roles with Seagrams and your path into Four Roses?
• Who gave you the opportunity to get back into distillery operations?
• Blended Whiskey by Seagrams were top shelf at one time
• What impact did Kirin have on Four Roses since it was primarily an export only?
• How has the Four Roses brand grown since it’s been back in the US?
• What are you most excited for with the future of Four Roses?
• How are you planning for Four Roses future?

Wes Henderson, Chief Innovation Officer of Angel’s Envy, joins us to talk about the start of this brand, his father’s heritage, and more

Show Notes:

• What was life like growing up around bourbon with your father’s reputation?
• Talk about the origins of the brand and the design
• Where did the idea for port barrel finishes stem from?
• Talk about the cask strength
• More stores are starting to offer ‘blended’ picks
• What’s going on with the new distillery?

Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace, joins us we discuss multiple facets of his history and life at the famed Buffalo Trace Distillery

Show Notes:

• Do you remember life before bourbon? What led you here?
• Wheatley Vodka, the spirit named after Harlen.
• Sampling, tasting, and characteristics of the brands
• Don’t you get tired of tasting bourbon all day?
• History and future of the Single Oak Project
• Warehouse X… what’s the big deal?
• What’s more important? The mash bill or the aging process
• Forecasting demand for Pappy and other BT products
• What’s the best part about your job?