In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's Distillery, to discuss several of the most exciting recent and upcoming releases from the historic Tennessee distillery.

The conversation covers the debut of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, a new year-round offering built around barrels matured at the distillery's highest elevations. Chris walks through the unique Heritage Barrel program, how lower barrel entry proof and warehouse placement influence flavor, and why this release reflects Jack Daniel's traditional approach to whiskey making.

Jake and Scott also dive into the latest Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye, a barrel proof Tennessee rye aged in one of the distillery's earliest barrelhouses located atop the historic Tanyard Hill site. The group discusses how location-driven maturation, long aging, and high proof combine to create a powerful and complex rye whiskey.

Additional topics include the introduction of a new 3-liter Jack Daniel's bottle, the continued evolution of Jack Daniel's limited and special releases, and the distillery's high-profile partnership with McLaren Formula One, two-time reigning World Constructors' Champions. Throughout the episode, Chris shares insight into how Jack Daniel's balances heritage, innovation, and global reach while staying rooted in Lynchburg.

• Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, TN
• Whiskey Type: Tennessee Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley
• Proof: 100 proof (also barrel entry proof)
• Age: 8 years
• MSRP: $69.99 (2025)
• Availability: Year-round, Single Barrel Collection

Matured at least seven years in Jack Daniel's highest-elevation barrelhouses, Heritage Barrel delivers a soft oak nose with vanilla and graham cracker, followed by rich flavors of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee. The finish lingers with brown sugar and oak, offering a balanced, classic Tennessee whiskey profile.

• Whiskey Type: Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley
• Distillation Date: November 2015
• Barrelhouse: Tanyard Hill Barrel House 1
• Proof Range: 130.2–148.8 proof (65.1%–74.4% ABV)
• Bottle Size: 700mL
• MSRP: $79.99
• Availability: Limited, nationwide

Aged in one of the earliest barrelhouses on the Jack Daniel's campus, Tanyard Hill Rye showcases dark fruit and sweet oak aromas, with flavors of candied mint, dark chocolate, and baking spice. The finish brings clove, sweet tobacco, and oak, highlighting the intensity and depth that come from long aging and barrel proof bottling.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Image Credit: Jack Daniel Distillery

Bourbon Lens welcomes Jennifer Brian, "Cocktail Evangelist" and founder of Make & Muddle, to discuss her upcoming book, The Classic Cocktail Revival, which released in September 2025 from the University Press of Kentucky.

Born in the Bluegrass and shaped by deep family roots in Eastern Kentucky, Jennifer's earliest memories of hospitality, food traditions, and gracious gatherings laid the foundation for her 25-year career in the hospitality industry. From luxury catering and event planning to becoming a nationally recognized cocktail evangelist, her work centers on collaboration, education, and making cocktails approachable for everyone.

In this episode, Jennifer shares the inspiration behind The Classic Cocktail Revival, exploring why timeless cocktail recipes are experiencing a resurgence and how classic techniques continue to resonate with modern drinkers. We also dive into the story behind Make & Muddle, Jennifer's craft syrup and shrub company designed to simplify beverage making without sacrificing quality. Whether you're a professional bartender or a home host, Jennifer explains how thoughtful ingredients and a collaborative spirit can elevate any cocktail experience.

You can purchase the book wherever books are sold, including at Carmicheal's in Louisville.   We encourage you to support your local independent bookstore this holiday season.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive deep into Heaven Hill's newest innovation — the Grain to Glass® Specialty Barrel Series. The series launches with three unique whiskeys, each aged entirely in Chinquapin Oak barrels, showcasing Heaven Hill's continued commitment to experimentation and craftsmanship.

The trio includes:

• Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malt)
• Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof (Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Wheat, 13% Malt)
• Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 107 proof (Mashbill: 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malt)

Each whiskey was barreled at 107 proof, a nod to the historic entry proof used by Heaven Hill's founders, and bottled non-chill filtered to preserve the full depth and character developed from the Chinquapin Oak.

Jake and Scott discuss how these releases reflect Heaven Hill's legacy of innovation while honoring tradition — exploring the flavor differences between each mashbill, the influence of Chinquapin Oak, and what this series could signal for future Heaven Hill experiments.

Tune in for tasting notes, honest impressions, and a conversation that celebrates one of Kentucky's most respected distilleries continuing to push boundaries in bourbon-making.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Jake travels to Lawrenceburg to sit down with Bruce Russell, the newly appointed Associate Blender for Wild Turkey and part of the famed Russell Family. During their conversation, Bruce discusses the legacy of the Russell Family, creating Generations with Jimmy and Eddie, and what's on the horizon for Wild Turkey Distillery.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Wild Turkey:

The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for "some of that Wild Turkey whiskey" and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 "alligator" char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. For more details on Wild Turkey, visit WildTurkey.com.

Our guest this week is Andrew Borenzweig, Founder of Beverly Spirits.  Andrew joins Bourbon Lens to discuss the path that led him to build a luxury spirits brand, crafting the liquid with Master Blender Murphy Quint, and (of course) his portfolio of American Whiskey.  We've previously reviewed Beverly High Rye, the brand's initial offering, but we we're excited to see what Beverly had in store with their barrel strength release; The Beverly Reserve.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Beverly Spirits:

Beverly Spirits crafts an exceptional sipping experience with award-winning American whiskey. Founded by Andrew Borenzweig, an entrepreneur whose background is in the whiskey industry, Beverly Spirits is his vision to create a new style of American whiskey rooted in an ethos of effortless luxury inspired by the lifestyle of his hometown of Los Angeles.

Our signature blends are designed by Founder Andrew Borenzweig and Master Blender Murphy Quint to perfect the balance between the bold, spicy flavor of rye, and the rich feel of bourbon. Each batch is artisanally crafted at Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa, using proprietary recipes comprised of straight rye and straight bourbon whiskeys hand selected from Iowa and Indiana.

Andrew partnered with Cedar Ridge Distillery to create these signature blends, admiring the family-owned distillery's legacy, product, and most importantly, people, cultivating a relationship based on a shared passion and commitment to quality. Working closely with Murphy Quint, Cedar Ridge's Head Distiller, they spent years refining their recipe to craft a signature profile that is bold and complex yet inviting and smooth.

They undertook a rigorous recipe development process leading to a celebratory conclusion in Barrel Shed #7 at Cedar Ridge on an Iowa summer day in 2021. After exhaustive tastings, crafting blend after blend by hand, evaluating each at cask strength, then at different proofs, they finalized their original recipe, The Beverly High Rye, and their barrel strength expression, The Beverly Reserve.

For more information on Beverly Spirits, head over to the Beverly Spirits' website and product page. Beverly Spirits can ship to 43 states (excluding MI, UT, MA, SD, AK, HI).

The Beverly Reserve is available at select retailers, bars, restaurants and hotels in California, Tennessee and New York. This also includes retailers such as Erewhon in Los Angeles and Corkdorks in Nashville. Use their product finder to find your bottle.

Barrell Craft Spirits invited Bourbon Lens to their new Jeffersontown Kentucky blending facility to record this week's episode of the podcast.  We're joined by Founder Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations. During the episode, we discuss the new facility, its impressive design, and how it was built from the ground up with efficiency and quality at the forefront. We also discuss some of the recent whiskey releases from BCS, including Foundation, New Year 2024, and some of their cask finishes.  Don't miss out on this episode and learn more about one of the original independent whiskey blenders in America.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Barrell Craft Spirits:

Barrell Craft Spirits® Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for its blending expertise since 2013, BCS skillfully designs, produces, and launches leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. The award-winning line of BCS releases are currently sold in 49 U.S. states.  For more information, visit barrellbourbon.com.

About Joe Beatrice, Founder:

Joe Beatrice has built his career on new ideas. A former marketing and technology entrepreneur, Joe founded his first company, Blue Dingo Digital, in the 1990s to help companies use the Internet to establish, brand, and grow their products.

But after 20 years, Joe was ready for a change. A longtime homebrewer, Joe saw the true magic of spirits after a transformative experience tasting whiskey straight from the barrel for the very first time. In 2013, he launched Barrel Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky, the epicenter of the American spirits industry.

Instead of building his own distillery, Joe questioned the conventional wisdom and took a different course. He sourced and blended exceptional casks from established producers, bottled whiskeys at cask strength, and sold them as transparently as possible.

That approach was unique in the United States, but not the world. Scotland's long-established independent bottlers were a major inspiration, and Joe was captivated by their ability to elevate barrels of whisky into something greater than the sum of their parts. He sensed that American consumers, too, would embrace the chance to explore whiskey in an entirely new way.

Joe sold early releases case by case, personally pounding the pavement to drum up interest from bartenders and retailers. It turned out his visionary instincts were spot on once again. Barrell Craft Spirits' cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases quickly became an influencing force in American whiskey, picking up awards from the world's most prestigious spirits competitions.

Joe remains intimately involved with every step of the production process at Barrell Craft Spirits, using his exceptional palate alongside master blender Tripp Stimson to choose and create great spirits. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtration - just like that fateful barrel tasting years ago-continues to guide every product release.

Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist:

Tripp hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2004, following his graduation from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, he was recruited as a Research and Development Scientist for the Brown Forman Corporation, headquarters to Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester. There he gained his experience in yeasting, fermentation, and the distillery sciences and operations that make a distillery operate successfully and efficiently.

Following his 9 years with Brown Forman, Tripp formed his own consulting company providing the technical expertise needed to design, build and efficiently run a new distillery. He's been a key component in the success of distilleries around the country. Most recently, he helped to design and build the Kentucky Artisan Distillery, where he was later employed as Master Distiller and the Director of Distillery Operations. He oversaw all the Jefferson's Reserve project design and implementation including Jefferson's Groth, and Jefferson's Barrel Aged Manhattan. Additionally, he built the first malting operation in Kentucky in 2016.

Tripp met Joe Beatrice at Kentucky Artisan Distillery and they began their work there together blending and producing interesting and unique whiskeys. He joined Barrell Craft Spirits in January of 2017 as the Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations and is responsible for developing our product formulation and leading the distillery building initiative.

In the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Tara Lindley and Holly Booth of High West Whiskey. Tara and Holly play pivotal roles in helping consumers get to know High West by creating the whiskey and running the hospitality program.  You don't have to look very hard to see the stamp these women have placed on the Utah-based whiskey company.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Tara Lindley

Tara, High West's Sensory QA & Product Development Manager, began her career in the beverage industry in the wine world, making the switch to spirits upon joining the High West team. She now oversees sensory evaluations, alongside Master Distiller Brendan Coyle and Blending and Distilling Manager Isaac Winter, and guides decisions for new and seasonal blends. Over time, Tara has harnessed her confidence and cemented herself as an innovator.

About Holly Booth

Throughout her time at High West, Holly ascended to lead bartender and teamed up with Steve Walton, now High West's director of hospitality, to grow the unique and cutting edge High West bar program. Holly aims to craft distinctive and impactful cocktails that celebrate whiskey and the beauty of the American West. One of Holly's biggest challenges has been proving that whiskey itself isn't just a man's drink.

About High West Whiskey:

Utah's first legal distillery since 1870, High West's passion is crafting delicious and distinctive whiskeys and helping people appreciate whiskey all in the context of our home, the American West. High West offers an outstanding collection of highly rated whiskeys in finer liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in all 50 U.S. states and internationally.

High West was honored to receive Whisky Advocate's prestigious Distiller of the Year award in 2016. The ultimate authority on whisky said, "High West delivers innovative and delicious whiskeys, expands the definition of what it is to be a distiller, and pioneered a successful new paradigm for craft distilling."

High West's must-visit locations include our High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah, a 30,000 square foot world-class distillery and visitor center featuring educational tours and High West's unique country-western cuisine; and our High West Distillery & Saloon in historic Old Town Park City, the world's only ski-in gastro distillery that was voted "Best Park City Restaurant" by readers of City Weekly. It has received multiple accolades including earning Best Après Ski Bar in Utah by USA TODAY's 10Best being named a finalist in the 2020 Park City's Best Awards for Best Après Ski, a nomination for Best Bar by the James Beard Foundation, and a top-10 ranking on The Daily Meal's list of 150 Best Bars in America.

Our guests this week are the Father-Son team at 15 STARS Fine Aged Spirits.  Rick and Ricky Johnson join Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey and how they founded the company.  The Johnsons are no stranger to the world of unique grains, given their background in growing heirloom corn varietals, including Baby Black Corn and red, white, and blue heritage corns. Currently, 15 STARS is releasing some award-winning limited release whiskey blends and has aging stocks of whiskey which leverage their heirloom corns mashbills. 15 STARS hit the ground running with their early releases and continues to impress. We look forward to seeing what's in store for the brand in the near future.

For past coverage of 15 STARS on Bourbon Lens, check out our archive here.

About 15 STARS

Started by father and son entrepreneurs Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS is a tribute to more than 225 years of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship and pays homage to Kentucky, America's 15th state. Bourbon lovers can find their portfolio of limited-release fine-aged bourbon whiskeys at select retail locations and fine restaurants in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia & Louisiana as well as online at 15STARS.com. Future releases will incorporate innovative grains while still following the founders' low barrel entry proof, creative blending, and flavor-proofing techniques. 15 STARS distills and bottles at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. For more information visit 15stars.com or follow them on social at @15STARSbourbon.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens visits the Willy Wonka Factory of Whiskey this week.  We're in Lawrenceburg Indiana for an amazing tour at the Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly known as MGPI) and an eye-opening podcast. Jake and Scott sit down with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman and Master Blender Sam Schmeltzer to discuss the distillery, its history and a little of what's in store for its bright future.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're joined by Heather Greene, CEO and Master Blender for Milam & Greene Whiskey.  Heather is an industry veteran with a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge.  She is also a whiskey writer, author of Whisk(e)y Distilled, and understands many of the behind the scenes dynamics of the whiskey world. For her contributions to Milam & Greene, Heather was recently recognized as the Top Master Blender 2023 by the Bourbon Women at the Women of Whiskey Awards. Milam & Greene sources barrels, contract distills at Bardstown Bourbon Co., and distills at its Blanco, Texas distillery.  In this episode, we discuss Milam & Greene's history, its current portfolio, and what's on the horizon for the brand. Don't miss this episode.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Milam & Greene

Milam & Greene Whiskey is made by some of the world's most experienced whiskey professionals, including CEO, master blender, and author, Heather Greene, and 30-year whiskey veteran and master distiller, Marlene Holmes. 2023 has been a stellar year for Milam & Greene so far, after being named "2023 Rising Star Spirits Company of the Year" at The Ascot Awards followed by Heather Greene being awarded "Master Blender of the Year". The Milam & Greene team distills in Blanco, Texas on copper pot stills as well as in Kentucky on classic column stills, using its proprietary yeast recipe and mash bill. Aging takes place in rickhouses located across four states in casks with an assortment of char levels for a variety of flavors resulting in the most thorough array of casks made and collected by any craft distiller. These casks become the ingredients from which its award-winning American whiskey range is batched to create perfection. Milam & Greene Whiskey believes in using the best people and ingredients to create delicious, award-winning whiskey for whiskey lovers. For more information visit: www.milamandgreenewhiskey.

Bourbon Lens visits the Wiseguy Lounge for a very unique episode. We're joined by Chase Henry and Jeremiah Johnson with Goodfellas Pizza to discuss the origins of the pizza establishment and its speakeasy concept, Wiseguy Lounge.  And, in a first for Jake and Scott, we explore pizza and whiskey pairings and how you can look to elevate your bourbon tastings with food.  We hope this new episode inspires you to explore your palate beyond your traditional whiskey tasting.  It certainly opened our eyes to how fun it can be to go outside of your comfort zone.

For more information on Goodfellas Pizza, Wiseguy Lounge, their bourbon selection, and more, we recommend you head to their website: goodfellaspizzeria.com.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Hank Ingram rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up on all things O.H. Ingram.  Hank last appeared on the show back in late 2020 in Episode 103 and has since relocated his entire operation; expanded distribution, and continues to get high praise for his portfolio of river aged whiskies. Find out what's on the horizon for O.H. Ingram and Hank in this week's new episode. 

About O.H. Ingram River Aged:

Inside the only floating barrelhouses in the world, barrels of O.H. Ingram River Aged whiskies spend their years exposed to the climate and constant motion of the Mississippi River. The motion of the river ensures that the whiskey never stops working creating an extraordinary spirit with robust flavor. We call it Mellowed on the Mississippi. You can see full details about the unique aging here.

To learn more about the O.H. Ingram River Aged and sign up for updates, customers can visit IngramWhiskey.com. Whiskey lovers can also follow Ingram River Aged on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Brown Water Spirits LLC was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. With whiskey aging operations in Columbus, Kentucky, Brown Water Spirits pioneered the first patent-pending floating barrelhouse on the Mississippi River. The result is the award-winning O.H. Ingram River Aged Series.

O.H. Ingram River Aged is presently available on shelves in Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, as well as online via Seelbach's. Additional markets will come as inventory allows through R.S. Lipman.

Get ready to "nerd out" over whisky with our newest podcast featuring Waterford Whisky. Waterford is an Irish Single Malt with a Scottish passion. Mark Reynier, Founder of Waterford Whisky, and Jake discuss the importance of heirloom grains and terroir in whiskey-making. Waterford Whisky looks to create distinct and unique flavors in the single malt category.

We would love to hear your thoughts on heirloom grains and terroir, and if you think they make a difference in your whiskey!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Waterford Whisky:

With over a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, Waterford searches for natural flavors via three paths: The Single Farm Origin series pursues the individualism of terroir-derived flavor; Cuvées, a mix of the farms to explore harmony and complexity of flavor; and the Arcadian Farm Origin series expresses the intensity of flavor from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties.

Each bottle of Waterford comes with a Téireoir code, with every detail regarding the origins of the whisky. From agricultural data, information on the production process, interviews with the farmer and even a SoundCloud recording of the farm, drinkers are invited to gain a deeper understanding of their dram.

About Mark Reynier - Founder & CEO:

Waterford founder and CEO Mark Reynier has over 40 years' experience in the drinks industry – 20 years in wine, and 20 years in spirits. A maverick entrepreneur who has done perhaps more than any other figure to bring terroir to the spirits world, he began his career in the London wine trade in 1980, formed La Réserve – one of London's premier wine & spirit merchants – before resurrecting the mothballed Bruichladdich Distillery in 2000. The distillery was sold to Rémy Cointreau in 2012. Reynier then bought the former Guinness brewery in Waterford in 2014, transforming a state-of-the-art brewery into a modern distillery. Reynier has also begun proving these same principles in rum through his new brand Renegade Rum in Grenada and in July 2018 commenced building the game-changing $30 million (USD) Renegade Rum Distillery.

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott turn the spotlight on the craft and independent distilleries making waves across the Bourbon and American Whiskey landscape. From Kentucky to Nevada, Colorado to New York, they highlight more than dozen distilleries to watch in 2025 and beyond — brands that are redefining what it means to craft whiskey in America today.

The discussion also takes a closer look at the tightening bourbon market, the economic and production challenges that small distilleries face, and how whiskey fans can make a real impact by supporting independent producers.

Whether you're a collector, a craft whiskey explorer, or simply someone who loves discovering new bottles, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of distillers driving creativity, innovation, and authenticity in American whiskey.

Jake and Scott also invite listeners to share their own recommendations: Which craft distilleries should we keep an eye on in 2026?

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

 Cover Image Generated by Meta AI.

We're joined by Virginia Distillery Company CEO, Gareth Moore. We discuss the role of VDC in the continued growth of American Single Malt as well as Gareth carrying forward his father's legacy of making the finest single malts in America. And, of course, we walk through some VDC's portfolio of American Single Malt.  VDC is one of the leaders in the ASMW world and their role in pushing the category into the mainstream in America is particularly evident.  If you haven't explored American Single Malt yet, you'll find that VDC's broad portfolio is a great place to dip your feet.  Cheers!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Virginia Distillery Company

Virginia Distillery Co. is America's most awarded single malt distillery. Its founder, George G. Moore had a vision for redefining what heights a great American Whisky could reach. He unfortunately passed away while the distillery was being built, but his wife, Angela, and son, Gareth, inherited his vision, and have built the business in pursuit of George's vision. Staffed by a local Virginia team and mentored by Scottish consultants with decades of experience, Virginia Distillery Company is the largest, independently owned American Single Malt whisky distillery in the U.S. The distillery has an annual production volume of 80,000 4.5L cases and growing. At full capacity, the distillery can produce over 8,000 casks yielding 350,000 4.5L cases annually. The distillery distills, matures and bottles everything on-site in Lovingston, VA. Virginia Distillery Co. produces the most awarded American Single Malt whisky brand, Courage & Conviction, on-site using malted barley from North America and water from Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the distillery offers the award-winning VHW series, made with 100% malted barley, blending together both American and Scotch whiskies, showcasing both Old and New World whisky-making.

About Gareth H. Moore, CEO

Gareth serves as CEO and carries on his father George's legacy and commitment to creating an exceptional American Single Malt. He is also a Principal at Adelphi Capital, a middle-market merchant banking business in Washington, DC. He is the President of the Virginia Distillers Association and serves on the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council as well as several other boards. He received a BA from Boston College and an MBA from Georgetown University.

Our late founder, Dr. George G. Moore, a native Irishman, had a vision of producing world class single malt whisky in America. With his untimely passing, his wife and son inherited his vision, and are compelled by George's often used expression, "Have the courage of your convictions." Using the highest quality malted barley and fresh spring water fed from the Blue Ridge Mountains, our spirit develops in Virginia's dynamic climate, allowing the broad temperature shifts to add depth to our whisky. We let the whisky tell us when it's done, and when it is, it's one that George would have been proud of.

This week, we are joined by the founders of Lost Lantern and American Mash & Grain to discuss independent bottlers in the American Whiskey landscape.  We discuss the importance of the Independent Bottlers, some of the challenges they face, and the successes they've experienced in sourcing the nation's top whiskies for their labels.  We hope you enjoy this roundtable discussion with Lost Lantern founders Nora Ganley-Roper & Adam Polonski and Devin Ershow & Chase Langdon from American Mash & Grain.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Lost Lantern:

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Global Independent Bottler of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards in London and named one of SevenFifty Daily's 2023 Drinks Innovators. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern's newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com.

About American Mash & Grain:

American Mash & Grain was founded by Devin Ershow & Chase Langdon. Devin and Chase have created a website documentary project to highlight the American Craft Whiskey movement, regularly giving full featured reviews and telling the stories of the best craft whiskey distilleries. As part of their project to document the current status of the craft whiskey market in American, they have married some of their favorite featured distilleries into unique blends of American Whiskey.  They have released two blends, named Borrowed Page, to date.  They also recently started to document stories of craft whiskey in their new podcast, Craft Spirited. To learn more about their work, check out MashNGrain.com.     

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• 197: Blending America's Craft Whiskey with American Mash and Grain - Bourbon Lens 
• Lost Lantern Goes Big For Their Summer Release - Bourbon Lens 
• Mash & Grain Borrowed Page Delivers a Unique Blend of Craft Whiskey - Bourbon Lens 
• Lost Lantern Single Distillery Series Buoyed By A Gentle Giant
• Lost Lantern Introduces New Single Distillery Series 
• Check Out The Latest From American Mash and Grain - Bourbon Lens
• Lost Lantern Spring Collection Launches March 1st! - Bourbon Lens 
• American Mash and Grain Releases Borrowed Page Volume 2
• Fire, Water & Grain: The Story of Empire Rye (This is the film referenced by Jake in the podcast;  Shoutout to Chase for the reminder to add it to the show notes)
• Lost Lantern Announces Tasting Room 

We are saluting Veterans this week in our annual Salute To Service Veterans Day podcast. This year, we were privileged to be joined by Four Branches Bourbon and its four founders. Rick Franco (US Marine Corps), Mike Trott (US Air Force), Harold Underdown (US Navy), and RJ Casey (US Army) sat down with us just prior to their launch party back in April 2023 at Bardstown Bourbon Company.  Since that time, they've launched their bourbon for online purchase and in several states, with distribution expected to expand in the months ahead.  

About Four Branches:

Four Branches Bourbon is the first American spirits company founded by veterans of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Four Branches was born from the profound bonds forged in service and a shared desire to honor the remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in all our lives, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our mission is to deliver exceptional expressions of fine bourbon to honor those who serve in the shadows and to support the veteran community by generously giving back. You can learn more about Four Branches Bourbon on their website.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In a special episode for Bourbon Lens, we're celebrating the  milestone of 250 Episodes with a tasting of the new Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). A special thanks to the team at Buffalo Trace Distillery and Sazerac Company for allowing us this opportunity to taste this ultra limited, highly sought after whiskey collection.  Jake and Scott taste through the 5 bottle lineup of 2023 BTAC and give their thoughts on each.  Which bottle should you seek out to taste at a bar or to add to your home bar?  We give our rankings and overall impressions of this year's collection. If you've had an opportunity to taste any of the lineup, we'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line and share. And cheers to another 250 episodes of Bourbon Lens podcast; we thank you for your support of Bourbon Lens.

Fast Facts from Buffalo Trace About the 2023 Collection

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey

• Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• 18 Years Old
• Proof: 90
• Barrels filled between the fall of 2004 and the spring of 2005
• Aged in Warehouses K, L, and M. 
• Nose: dried orange, rye grain, clove and anise
• palate: black pepper, vanilla, and waves of oak, and a florally honey and tobacco leaf finish. 

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

• Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 "Low Rye")
• Aged 19 years and three months old - the oldest release of the spirit since its 23-year inclusion in the Antique Collection
• Proof: 101 proof in tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975. 
• Distilled in the spring of 2004. 
• Aged in Warehouses C, I, K, M, and Q.   
• Nose: dark chocolate and cherry pie filling
• Palate: caramel-drizzled chocolate sponge cake, finishing with dry and spicy notes of an earthy cigar box. 

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey

• Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Aged for over six years. 
• Proof: 124.9
• Uncut, unfiltered straight rye whiskey
• Initially launched in response to a consumer request for more well-aged and barrel-strength whiskey
• Nose: orange zest and lemon oil, caramel, and hints of pine.
• palate: freshly baked rye bread spread with orange marmalade and honey appear first, followed by a lingering finish of light oak and black licorice.

William Larue Weller Bourbon

• Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Wheated Mashbill)
• Uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon.
• 12 Years Old; distilled in the spring of 2011
• Proof: 133.6 
• Warehouses C, L, M, and N. 
• Nose: Candied notes of dark brown sugar and vanilla bean
• Palate: warm and full with stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble and a robust, dense finish enveloped with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup. 
  

George T. Stagg Bourbon

• Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 "Low Rye")
• 15 years and 4-months-old bourbon (distilled in the spring of 2008)
• Proof:  135
• Aged in Warehouses C, I, K, L, and M. 
• Nose: cinnamon and cherry cola
• Palate: a well-balanced mix of leather, chocolate, and vanilla on the palate, complete with a robust, earthy finish.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Elayne Duff, Samson & Surrey's Director of Brand Advocacy, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about their whiskey portfolio. Joining the company in May 2023, Duff brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the position and oversees advocacy team for Samson & Surrey's diverse family of award-winning, premium craft spirits. The lineup spans from bartender darling Tequila Ocho and artisan mezcal brand Mezcal Vago, to Bluecoat American dry gin; FEW Spirits; Brenne French Single Malt Whisky; and Brooklyn whiskey maker and Samson & Surrey flagship, Widow Jane.

About Samson & Surrey:

Samson & Surrey is a portfolio of craft spirit brands based in Miami, Florida. Their portfolio includes FEW Spirits, Widow Jane, Bluecoat Gin, Tequila Ocho, Brenne French Single Malt Whisky, and Mezcal Vago. The company offers support, investment, sales resources, brand advocates and insights to the brands, creating a long-lasting relationship between consumers, the trade and the brands. Its portfolio of brands was acquired by Heaven Hill in early 2022.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In a first, Bourbon Lens podcast joins forces with its sibling podcast, Cocktails with Friends, on this week's special episode to celebrate Old Fashioned Week. Old Fashioned Week is October 13-22, 2023.  We're joined by Lynn House with Heaven Hill to discuss the Old Fashioned Week campaign. We talk about tips for making the classic cocktail, Elijah Craig's whiskey lineup, and the charitable element of this 10-day long celebration. If you want to join the fun, participating bars are searchable via a map on the "Find a Bar" widget on their website.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Old Fashioned Week:

Elijah Craig first launched Old Fashioned Week in 2020 to support the food and beverage industry in a moment of crisis. Over the past three years, donations of more than $300,000 have been given to Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation and Southern Smoke Foundation. Elijah Craig is proud to continue hosting Old Fashioned Week in 2023, and support Southern Smoke in directly benefiting the bar and restaurant community. In 2022, Old Fashioned Week more than doubled participation with over 4,100 bars featuring Elijah Craig Old Fashioned riffs on their drink menus.

In 2022, Old Fashioned Week raised $100,000 to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, and directly impact members of the food and beverage industry. That October, with the help from Elijah Craig's donation, Southern Smoke Foundation provided more than 80 no-cost mental health counseling sessions to industry workers nationwide through their mental health program, Behind You, and distributed $109,775 in emergency relief grants to workers affected by crises including natural disasters; the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis; and other unforeseen events.

For more details on Old Fashioned Week, check out their official website OldFashionedWeek.com or ElijahCraig.com. If you'd like to learn more about Southern Smoke Foundation, or donate directly, head to Southern Smoke Foundation's Website.

Image Credit: Old Fashioned Week banner's courtesy of Elijah Craig

Jake is joined by George Koutsakis to discuss his latest venture in spirits, Barrel Global. Barrel Global is a whiskey startup that has the goal of connecting spirits buyers with spirits makers. Barrel Global makes barrel ownership possible for first-time collectors by allowing the purchase of just one barrel, so you too can enjoy the experience and rewards of barrel ownership. Whether it's one barrel or many, Barrel Global is your one-stop-shop for buying and bottling your very own distilled spirit. How does it work? Tune into today's episode for all the details.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Barrel Global:

One of the first front-facing barrel ownership companies in the US, Barrel Global works hand in hand with some of the most exciting, up-and-coming bourbon distilleries in the US to bring full barrel ownership to collectors, brands, and consumers. Founded by whisky expert and entrepreneur George Koutsakis, Barrel Global was created to simplify barrel ownership and make the experience as seamless and fun as possible. To guarantee the safety and security of the barrels, Barrel Global partners with distilleries and offers a state-of-the-art purchasing and stock management system for client use. Barrel Global is focused heavily on pushing the amazing bourbon and American Whiskey categories across the globe. Find out more at: https://barrelglobal.com/.

How it Works:

The first step to our process is to request access. From there, you'll wait for your application to be approved before you can reserve a barrel. After receiving payment, you'll receive an ownership certificate that provides legal documentation outlining your full barrel rights. You have the opportunity to visit your barrel for sampling but in order to comply with legal requirements, full barrels cannot be transported outside of an approved warehouse until they are bottled. If you don't want to have your whiskey bottled, you can trade it for others you prefer or sell your collection for cash on the Barrel Global marketplace. When it comes time to bottle, we can help facilitate the design, packaging, and legally compliant shipping of the bottles.

We're on a mission to make whiskey barrel ownership accessible to collectors worldwide. As the first ever global marketplace for whiskey barrels, you can connect with distilleries and collectors around the world to build your own portfolio. For a whiskey experience unlike any other, request access to their website here: https://barrelglobal.com/. 

About George Koutsakis: 

A recognised spirits and whisky expert and writer, George has reported on the whisky world for titles including Forbes, Financial Times, Food & Wine, and many others, George has watched the world of luxury whisky evolve. Living in Asia for over 6 years, George has worked with some of the biggest auction houses in HK. Most recently, he has worked with numerous companies in Web3, assisting to draw parallels between NFTs and Spirits.

He has done a TED talk on alcohol consumption and appeared with 2Chainz on The Most Expensivest by Vice. George also starred in a short show titled Unmapped, made by South China Morning Post, owned by Alibaba.

George now owns Coachbuilt Whisky alongside F1 champion, Jenson Button. He's the founder of Barrel Global, a US-focused barrel selling company, and MaltyVerse, the world's first original comic book and independent whisky brand.

We're back on the road and at Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky.  We sit down with Founder, Wally Dant, to discuss all that has gone on at Log Still since we last visited over two years ago.  This is a destination distillery for anyone who is going out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Log Still Distillery's expansive campus (in addition to its world class distillery and tasting room) includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000 square foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&B's, a private train depot, a soon-to-open farm-to-table restaurant, and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About J.W. "Wally" Dant

We call him founder, foreman, and fearless leader. You can call him Wally. As president/distiller, Wally Dant works hard every day to bring his vision for Log Still Distillery to life. And to Wally, it's about more than quality spirits and an unforgettable destination. It's about love of God, family, community and bourbon.  Wally is rebuilding and reimagining the historic distillery property, the very same land in southern Nelson County where his many family members once made spirits. "To be able to put your name as a distiller on a bottle is pretty humbling."

Log Still is Wally's way of honoring his family and giving back to the community he credits for providing his family with values and love. And drawing from years of experience in the healthcare and liquor industries, this business savvy entrepreneur is the right man for the job. Wally dreams big, and he won't stop until he sees those dreams come to fruition. If he's not hard at work shepherding the Log Still brands, you can likely find him making garden fresh salsa, hot sauce, ketchup from the homegrown garden, or cooking up a chef-like meal for friends and family.

About Log Still Distillery

Log Still Distillery is bringing bourbon back to Gethsemane. Guided by Wally Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles Dant, Log Still is built on old distillery land and reimagined to create a unique bourbon and family destination. Each bottle is filled with respect, ever mindful that faith, family, community, and bourbon pave the way for future generations. Featured products include the Monk's Road line of Kentucky bourbons and gins and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey line. Log Still anchors a pastoral campus that includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000 square foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&B's, a private train depot, a soon-to-open farm-to-table restaurant, and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake, making it a one-of-a-kind destination to make lasting memories with family and friends.

We are joined by the newest member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Trey Zoeller. Trey is the Founder of Jefferson's Bourbon and is a return guest to the Bourbon Lens podcast. Trey previously joined us for Episode 72 and we were happy to catch up with him during Bourbon Heritage Month. In this episode, we discuss Jefferson's latest innovation, Jefferson's Tropics Aged in Humidity, which had Trey send a load of his bourbon to Singapore to test the impact of Singapore's extreme heat and humidity. We hope you enjoy this episode and welcome your feedback, as always!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Trey Zoeller and his father, Chet, a famed bourbon historian, established Jefferson's in 1997. They were continuing a family tradition that goes back to 1799 when Trey's eighth generation grandmother became the first woman on record in America to be arrested for the "production and sales of spirituous liquors." Over the last 25 years, Trey has brought a unique perspective to Jefferson's, seeing bourbon through the lens of nature, exploration, and experiences. The brand has led with innovations in the art of blending and maturation, yielding distinctive flavors.

We're exploring the bourbon lineup from our friends at Michter's Distillery.  Andrea Wilson and Dan McKee re-join Bourbon Lens to help us celebrate our 5th Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month. Andrea is Michter's Master of Maturation as well as its Chief Operating Officer. As Michter's Master of Maturation, Andrea manages barrel specifications, barrel procurement, heat cycling and temperature monitoring during aging, tracking maturation of barrels, whiskey filtration in preparation for bottling, and innovation to continue to improve the aging process.  She is also a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member.  Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee moved to Kentucky to pursue his dream of making whiskey. He began his career in the bourbon industry as a Distillery Operator at Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.  As Master Distiller, Dan McKee has been instrumental in the multi-phase expansion of distilling at Michter's Distillery, both at its Fort Nelson location and their Shively location as well.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Joe O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, to discuss his journey in American Whiskey and what makes Minden Mill one of Nevada's most exciting distilleries.

Joe shares his early experiences learning from one of the greats in American Whiskey, Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and widely considered the "godfather of American Single Malt." From there, Joe's path took him across the country as he honed his craft and helped shape the modern American Single Malt category.

The conversation explores what led Joe to Nevada and the vision behind Minden Mill Distilling — from its straight Bourbon and Rye to its American Single Malt Whiskey lineup. Jake and Scott also dive into Joe's involvement with the new Estate Whiskey Alliance, his advocacy for the "ground-to-glass" movement, and why innovation and heritage both matter in today's spirits world.

Listeners will hear firsthand how Minden Mill's unique approach to whiskey-making, backed by a state-of-the-art facility and the Carson Valley's rugged character, is positioning the distillery as a rising force in American Whiskey.

About Joe O'Sullivan:

Joseph (Joe) O'Sullivan is the Master Distiller of Minden Mill Distilling in Nevada and a respected voice in American Whiskey. He apprenticed under Steve McCarthy, founder of Clear Creek Distillery and a pioneer of American Single Malt, before going on to serve as Master Distiller at Clear Creek and later Hood River Distillers.

Joe has been an active leader in the industry, contributing to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, helping establish the category's Standard of Identity certified by the TTB in 2024, and supporting the Estate Whiskey Alliance. He also shared his expertise with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, shaping global understanding of American Single Malt.

With nearly two decades of distilling experience, Joe oversees Minden Mill's production of Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, and American Single Malt Whiskey, as well as vodka and liqueurs. His career reflects a balance of craftsmanship, innovation, and advocacy for American whiskey traditions.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Distillery Images Credit: Scott Shearer

We continue our 5 Year Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month celebration with a legend in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, Freddie Johnson from Buffalo Trace Distillery.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Freddie Johnson:

Freddie Johnson is a third generation employee at Buffalo Trace Distillery and serves as its Distillery VIP Visitor Lead.  Born in Paris, KY (Bourbon County), he spent some of his early childhood summers in the mountains of Breathitt County with his maternal grandfather who was a coal miner and friend to the moonshiners.  The family moved to Frankfort, KY when he was five.  Freddie enjoyed hunting, fishing and hanging out with his paternal grandfather, Jimmy Johnson Sr., and father, Jimmy Johnson Jr., at what is now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.   

Freddie was in the middle of a successful career as a network/operations engineer in Atlanta, GA when he put all of it aside to fulfill a promise made to his father, Jimmy, more than 20 years earlier.  He had promised his father that he would work at the Distillery during his lifetime so they could say they had three generations of the Johnson family that worked at Buffalo Trace.  Freddie took early retirement and moved back to care for his father and brother.  Jimmy got him a job as a tour guide at the Distillery in 2002 but Freddie has been in and around the Distillery since he was five years old. 

Freddie weaves together his childhood memories with the Distillery's rich history as his entertains thousands each year in various tours around Buffalo Trace.  One of the Distillery's most popular and highly sought after tour guides, Freddie is the recipient of the 2015 ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award, the 2017 Lexington (Ky) Hospitality Award and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2018.

Image Credit: Buffalo Trace Distillery

We're kicking off our month-long celebration of our 5 Year Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month with DSP-KY-1.  That's right, we travel to Heaven Hill's "Bernheim" Distillery in Louisville to visit with Master Distiller, Conor O'Driscoll.  It has been a long time coming to record with Heaven Hill Distillery and we couldn't be happier to be on location of this massive distillery.  As you know by now, this is likely Scott's favorite distillery of all time as it produces some of his favorite whiskies, including their wide portfolio of Bottled-in-Bond bourbons.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback on Bourbon Lens podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Clinton Dugan, co-founder of Shortbarrel, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about Shortbarrel and their journey from barrel-picking group, to non-distilling producer, to distillery.  This is a unique look at the evolution of a brand in the whiskey world.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Shortbarrel

What started as a small group in barrel picking group 2016, the Shortbarrel name has become a staple on the shelves of home bars- assigned only to the barrels that meet our group's high standards. We welcome you to our club and hope you appreciate as much as we do that no two barrels will be the same. Cheers to high standards and great friends.

A "shortbarrel" is a barrel that, upon bottling, has lost over 50% of its contents to angel's share. Due to higher contact with air and oak, the whiskey inside ages differently, developing in a unique and powerful way.

The select few bottles that come from it tell a story of withstanding aging, evaporation, and ever changing climate.

Fun Fact: Our brand name isn't because of this and no we don't only use "Shortbarrels." Adam is indeed the reason we are called Shortbarrel. Ask him about it in person, there is no reason to talk about someone's height online!

In 2023, we acquired Atlanta's first distillery, Old Fourth Distillery. We are very excited about the future of whiskey in Atlanta and beyond.

Visit Us at: 6325 McDonough Dr. NW, Norcross GA 30093. BY APPOINTMENT AND INVITATION ONLY. 

About Co-Founder Clinton Dugan

Originally from Ohio, Clinton moved to Atlanta in 2012. He likes to tell the story about how he met a stranger on Facebook in a parking lot and they became friends. No that was not his wife, Amber, that was indeed Adam in 2013. Clinton got his start collecting bourbon in 2014 when his now-wife Amber thought a bottle of Willett looked "cool" on a trip to Costco. I mean who doesn't think a Willett Pot Still bottle isn't cool?

Clinton joined Adam in Shortbarrel picking barrels in 2017 and it amplified everything bourbon. If you ever meet him in real life, ask him about his first Shortbarrel trip and the infamous Nacho beer.

Clinton's passion for bourbon extends well beyond this collection at home. Clinton is normally the person you're talking to on social media behind the scenes at Shortbarrel. His passions are all things digital marketing, and with over 15 years of digital marketing knowledge, he brings that skillset to Shortbarrel.

When he is not talking about bourbon, you can find Clinton grilling, golfing or hanging with his beautiful family, Amber and Audrey. Can't forget his two Goldendooles, Arnold and Rocky too!

Jake and Scott line up some of the newest releases from Heaven Hill Distillery including the Spring 2023 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond, a 10 year wheated bourbon.  We also get our first taste of the new Larceny Barrel Proof C923 and Square 6 Wheated Bourbon.  This is a great teaser episode in our lead-up to our 5th Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month podcast series, which will feature a long-awaited podcast with Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're joined by Samantha Johnson, Master Blender for Diageo and their most recent Orphan Barrel Series release, Scarlet Shade Rye Whiskey.  For those unfamiliar, Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. is a project to save nearly forgotten barrels of well-aged whiskey and share them with the world. We talk about this release as well as Samantha's process for crafting unique and thoughtful whiskey blends from extraordinary casks. Thanks to our good friends, Courtney (@PicsAndPours) and Jaron (@Bourbon_In_Indiana) for connecting us with their friend Samantha for this episode.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Scarlet Shade 14-Year Rye:

This is the first ever Rye release to the Orphan Barrel collection of premium whiskies – Scarlet Shade – distilled in Indiana, aged in Kentucky and bottled in Tennessee.  This 14-year-old rye is heralded by sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak aromas, tasting of warm baking spices, rye toast and orchard fruits, before warming into sweet orange marmalade and lingering as a dark chocolate finish. At 90 proof (45%). It is a limited release which dropped in May with a suggested retail price of $199.99. Scarlet Shade can be purchased on ReserveBar, Drizly.com or the Drizly app where shipping and delivery are available.

About Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co.

The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. is an endeavor to rescue nearly forgotten barrels of delicious whiskey and share them with discerning adult consumers. We are inspired by creativity, delicious whiskey, good times and great stories. The project is owned and run by DIAGEO and headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn. However, we like to think the project is founded in dark, quiet corners of rickhouses around the world where great whiskeys are just waiting to be discovered.

About Samantha Johnson:

Since joining Diageo as a Quality Technician in 2018 and being named a Master Blender in 2020, Samantha has blended a number of fan-favorite, high-quality whiskies including I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old and Bulleit Rye. In fact, her very first blend—I.W. Harper 15 Year-Old—won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition that same year.

Samantha initially uncovered her passion for working with whiskey while completing her senior thesis at Hanover College where she sped up the maturation process by rapidly aging the liquid to mimic a 4-year-old aged whiskey. After graduation, she received her Master's in agriculture (with a focus in food science and management) from Washington State University and landed a position as a Quality Technician at Bulleit Bourbon Distillery.

The release of Scarlet Shade marks her first offering under the Orphan Barrel brand.

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. Releases Its First Rye Whiskey, Scarlet Shade 14-Year-Old | Bourbon Lens
• Orphan Barrel
• Instagram.com/OrphanBarrel

In the Season 2 finale of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens, Jake & Jake sit down with Chef Julian Medina.  We're closing out this Season with another chef, so you know Jake L. is smiling as we talk about food, education, and running multiple restaurants.  Find some time like Chef, throw on your running shoes, and stream this episode as you take us for a walk or a jog around the block. 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

About Chef Julian Medina 

Julian Medina, acclaimed chef-owner of Toloache, Coppelia, Tacuba Mexican Cantina, La Chula Taqueria, El Fish Shack, El Fish Marisqueria and Kuxé has been creating refined Mexican cuisine for 20 years.  Raised in Mexico City, Julian was inspired by his father's & grandfather's authentic home cooking. Trained professionally in Mexico City, Julian later came to New York City & enrolled in the French Culinary Institute, graduating with recognitions.

Since 1999, Chef Medina has created numerous acclaimed food concepts around New York City, garnered accolades from the food media, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, as well as various high-profile television shows. In 2010, The New York Times' food critic Sam Sifton praised Toloache's food & service, and gave it a coveted one star. In March 2011, Julian made his premiere on Iron Chef America: Mexican Chocolate Battle.

Julian continues to open restaurants throughout New York City, including La Chula Taqueria in Spanish Harlem, Washington Heights & at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B; Kuxé in the West Village, and most recently El Fish Marisqueria on the Upper West Side.

Our guests for this episode are Smooth Ambler Founder, John Little, and Travis Hammond, Site Director and current Head Distiller. This wide-ranging conversation is one of the most open discussions we've had with a distillery.  We appreciated their openness and honesty as we discussed the evolution and future of Smooth Ambler.  We hope you enjoy! 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Smooth Ambler:

In the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Smooth Ambler is a craft distiller of artisan whiskies. Smooth Ambler has a family of quality wheated and rye bourbons that includes handcrafted whiskies 100% distilled and aged in West Virginia and curated blends sourced from the finest all-American whiskies. Founded in 2009 with the simple goal of producing the best whiskey possible, the brand has been part of Pernod Ricard since 2016.

From the Founder, John Little:

Who is crazy enough to start a whiskey company from scratch, in the hills of West Virginia, in a world filled with hundred-year-old Kentucky distilleries? Folks with a fiercely independent spirit, that's who.

At Smooth Ambler, tradition isn't a recipe we follow. Our company is literal proof of solid Appalachian know-how. That's when the hard working, creative, and resourceful folks of West Virginia come together to make something beautiful (and damn good) that no one else thought possible.

We didn't just set out to make award winning whiskey. We also set out to create a source of pride for West Virginians everywhere.

To embrace the best of everything around us - the land, the people, and the resources – to create a business that would make a difference by providing opportunities for the people in our community.

And the way we do it is simple, we do what we think is right, everyday. We don't look to see what our competitors are doing, we don't look at the past, we do it by being honest, embracing diversity, and creating relationships built on trust.

It's not complicated, it's the only way we know how to do it.

So yeah, we're not from Kentucky, but if you couldn't already tell, we like it that way. Because it turns out you can make bourbon in West Virginia, too. And you don't need a family name or recipe to make that award winning whiskey, you just need a fiercely independent spirit. - John Little, Founder

Coverage and Show Links:

• Smooth Ambler

• Smooth Ambler: A West Virginia distillery with real spirit | Positively WV Podcasts | wvnews.com

In this episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Jake L. hosts alone as Jake I. slides into the interview seat along with the founders of the brands Eight Beer, Melati Drinks, Solento Organic Tequila, and Off Hours Bourbon.  The roundtable comes together to share insights unique to startups in the beverage space.  This conversation shows that it takes guts and rolling up your sleeves to make it in this industry. 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

Our guests this week are Jackie Zykan and Nate Winegar. Jackie and Nate have teamed up with Royce Neeley and Matt Danker to launch Hidden Barn Whiskey. The team has leveraged Jackie's skills in blending some damn fine whiskies and we are so excited to talk with Jackie yet again on Bourbon Lens.   We have a great time catching up with Nate and Jackie and are so excited to see how this emerging whiskey brand grows. 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Hidden Barn Whiskey:

Kentuckians have been known to stand united. The sense of community that was so crucial to the production of bootleg whiskey in those hidden barns of Kentucky is the same spirit that inspires the Hidden Barn brand today. Local gatherings to unwind, trade stories and share a good pour of whiskey are where the founders of Hidden Barn found their fellowship. The shared desire to build connection and fellowship drove them to become business partners. Founded in 2022 by Master Distiller Royce Neeley, Master Blender Jackie Zykan, 5820 Whiskey Society's Nate Winegar and Matt Danker, Hidden Barn honors the tradition of whiskey made the hard way in a celebration of community, shared passion and alchemy to create whiskey worth sharing. More information is available at HiddenBarnWhiskey.com. Follow on Instagram: @hidden_barn.

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• Need A Holiday Idea? Hidden Barn Series Two Coming Soon - Bourbon Lens
• Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Episode 11: Jackie Zykan
• Hidden Barn Whiskey
• Bourbon Lens Episode 95: Master Taster, Jackie Zykan - Bourbon Lens
• Old Forester 1910 Extra Aged By Jackie Zykan Hits A Home Run - Bourbon Lens

Jake & Jake are back with another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. We sat down with Kyle Tucker of The Athletic who covers University of Kentucky Basketball and some Kentucky Football. Kyle shares some important insights on being there for his family and wife during trying times and how much just saying 'I love you' can mean.  This podcast might pull at your heartstrings, but it is a must-listen podcast for everyone, especially the dads and husbands.  

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

About Kyle Tucker - The Athletic

Kyle Tucker is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering Kentucky college basketball and the Tennessee Titans. Before joining The Athletic, he covered Kentucky for seven years at The (Louisville) Courier-Journal and SEC Country. Previously, he covered Virginia Tech football for seven years at The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot.

When Kyle isn't working hard at covering all things Kentucky Basketball he is spending time with his wife and set of soon to be twin first graders.

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott tackle a hot topic in the bourbon world: does great bourbon have to be high proof? While barrel-strength and cask-strength whiskeys continue to dominate the conversation, the guys make the case for exploring the sub-100 proof range (80–99 proof) as well.

They share standout examples of bourbons and whiskeys in this proof category, explain why there's a time and place for every proof point, and discuss how "palate fatigue" from ultra-high-proof releases has shaped their appreciation for more balanced pours.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh perspective on enjoying whiskey at all proof levels.

Jake and Scott also want to hear from listeners: What are your favorite sub-100 proof bourbons or whiskeys? Share your picks and join the conversation!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Cover art generated by Meta AI.

Perfect for summer, our guest today is here to talk about all things Cocktails! He is Jonathan Pogash, also known as "The Cocktail Guru".  Jonathan joins Jake to talk about being creative with cocktails at home and his tips for any home bartender.  Join us as we expand our palate from our usual whiskey neat to more complex drinks. Cheers!

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Jonathan Pogash:

Jonathan Pogash is the founder, owner and President of The Cocktail GuruTM - one of the most premier cocktail and full-service hospitality consultancy companies in the country. He was initially trained by cocktail-world luminaries Steve Olson, Gary Regan, Julie Reiner, and Albert Trummer. Under these legends, he studied technique, cocktail history, fresh ingredients, and seasonality and developed his hallmark techniques.

Jonathan launched The Cocktail Guru in 2006 initially as a side hustle, while he worked as an actor and craft cocktail bartender in NYC. The demand for The Cocktail Guru's services skyrocketed quickly, which turned into a full time, multi-platform hospitality consulting business. Jonathan swiftly assembled an all- star team of world-renowned mixologist, drinks experts, and scholars dedicated to bringing liquid joy and cocktail knowledge to the roster of clients.

Today, The Cocktail Guru is an eclectic collective that has expanded its' offerings. The unique mix of creative, engaging, and informative services that the Gurus deliver are inspirational and impactful. In addition to consulting services for bars, brands, restaurants, and hotels, the team has expanded to accommodate requests for a growing number of special events for the public. The Collective of Gurus offer not only trainings, but menu & signature cocktail development, event hosting, company happy hours, bachelor and bachelorette parties, private parties, weddings, media appearances and more.

Jonathan and his savvy team of Cocktail Gurus execute private and corporate events, design signature cocktails for small to large spirit brands, host team building mixology courses and Masterclasses, and develop craft cocktail programs for restaurants, bars, hotels and resorts.

Jonathan himself represents beverage brands by leading educational experiences, training bartenders, presenting consumer‐facing classes and seminars, and acting as media and industry spokesperson. With nearly 25 years' experience in the hospitality industry, Jonathan shares his insights with the most influential publications from around the world and frequently contributes his unique talents to morning television shows and national radio. His signature cocktails can be seen and enjoyed in many of North America's most upscale cocktail lounges and restaurants.

In 2021, Jonathan and his father, notable author and celebrated spirits industry veteran Jeffrey Pogash ("How to Read a Wine Label", "Bloody Mary") launched The Cocktail Guru Podcast, where they host and toast everyone from spirits industry icons to celebrities.

Press Coverage and Show Links:

• The Cocktail Guru
• The Cocktail Guru Podcast

Jake & Jake are back with a new episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.  In this episode, we chat with Noah Neiman of Rumble Boxing.  Noah opens up about his story of dealing with drug addiction and mental health issues to focusing that energy into creating a unique, successful fitness concept.  Not only is Noah truly authentic, he is absolutely hilarious.  Kick back, enjoy a laugh, and stream this week's episode. 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

About Noah Neiman:

Exploding onto the New York City fitness scene in early 2011, Noah Neiman has made his presence known as a NYC household name.  Noah was able to showcase his unique talents, personality, and passion for empowering others to the most discerning of fitness clientele.

Noah was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and his childhood therapist told him when he feels stressed and out of control - that he should hit a pillow. He then turned that aggression to jiu jitsu as well as group fitness classes.  In a deep depression and issue with male body dysmorphia in his 20s, Noah turned to drug use and after having a near death experience, he promised his family (in the hospital) that he would turn his life around.  

Noah helped to co-found Rumble Boxing, which is a boxing-inspired group fitness concept that is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags.

Rumble has locations coast to coast including: New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago - with massive brand loyalty and widespread appeal partly thanks to attracting top names like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Jason Derulo, David Beckham, and Kevin Hart to its studios.

Follow Noah on Instagram: @noahdneiman

About Rumble:

At its epicenter, Rumble is a collection of the most inspired and inspiring fitness instructors on the planet. Impressive athletes in their own regard, they step onto the podium at Rumble as part DJ, part motivational speaker, and complete Master of Ceremony. The 45 minutes that follows is an awesome orchestration of a workout engineered to custom hip-hop and house mash-ups. The music, the lights, the program, and the collective heartbeat of the room all come together as if it was a collaboration from the beginning - as if Cardi B. wrote this song, for this moment, for you, to run this shit like cardio.

This week, we're joined by L.C. May, the youngest grandson of brand namesake Clyde May, and Roy Danis. Roy is the President and CEO of Conecuh Brands LLC.  We discuss the Conecuh Brands portfolio, including Clyde May's Whiskey.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Clyde May's Whiskey 

Distilled since 1946 and legal since 2001, Clyde May's brings more than 75 years of authenticity, dedication and perseverance to perfecting the craft of whiskey making. In addition to being the Official State Spirit of Alabama and now the Official Bourbon of the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, Clyde May's is also the official Whiskey of Talladega Speedway and the PGA Tour Wyndham Championship.

About Conecuh Brands LLC 

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, Conecuh Brands is a leading producer and marketer of super premium craft spirits, focused on developing high-quality brands, including Clyde May's Whiskey, Prospero Tequila, and McConnell's Irish Whisky. Brands created by Conecuh Brands have authentic brand stories, delivered in world-class packaging and award winning taste. To learn more, visit Conecuhbrands.com.

Media Coverage and Show Links:

• Clyde May's
• A Day on the Trail: Clyde May's Whiskey Breaks Ground on New $18 Million 75 Acre Alabama Distillery Destination [Renderings]

Jake and Jake are back with another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens and their guest this week is Justin Nabozna, COO of sipMARGS.  sipMARGS is a ready-to-drink, bold-tasting, yet refreshing, canned margarita. Unlike many of its competitors who use a malt or wine base, sipMARGS uses real tequila in their canned cocktails for a more authentic flavor for tequila drinkers and non- alike.  Find out how Justin enjoys his Off Hours when he's not growing startups and small businesses. Enjoy summertime and grab yourself a drink as you sit back with this week's episode.

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

About Justin Nabozna, MARGS:

Justin Nabozna graduated from the US Naval Academy and served as an Infantry Officer in the Marine Corps for 5 years, where he was deployed twice to various parts of the Middle East and North Africa and led teams of 50 to 200 people. After the Marines, he attended Columbia Business School in NYC and received his MBA. Once out of business school, Justin joined Google in their Ad Sales division, where he worked for 1 year, before joining Waze as a Program Manager, and then Google For Startups where he spent 4 years helping seed stage companies grow. After 6.5 years at Google, Justin left to join MARGS as their COO, and is thrilled to take the canned margarita company to the next level.

About Margs

MARGS was created by liquor industry veterans with 100 years of combined experience building some of the world's best liquor brands. While the canned cocktail space has grown like crazy over the past few years, Justin and the MARGS team grew frustrated by the lack of options that actually taste great.  So, they decided to take matters into their own hands and create their own version of the most ordered cocktail in the world, the margarita, using only real tequila, all natural ingredients - while never sacrificing taste.  MARGS is now sold online for nationwide shipping through sipmargs.com as well as in stores/distributors in: NY, NJ, FL, CT, MA, MI, GA, IL and TX.

sipMARGS is the ready-to-drink, bold-tasting, and refreshing, canned margarita. Unlike many of its competitors who use a malt or wine base, sipMARGS uses top-quality tequila in canned libations for an authentic flavor you can taste. sipMARGS remain low in sugar, calories and carbs with an abundance of flavor. At an alcohol level of 5% ABV, these margaritas have been named the best canned cocktail for all margarita lovers. sipMARGS is solely focused on the margarita industry and offers a refreshing twist on the iconic taste of the classic beverage. At a reasonable price, these carbonated cocktails are affordable and delicious. SipMARGS are currently offered in four full-bodied flavors including Sparkling Classic Margarita, Sparkling Coconut Margarita, Sparkling Mango Margarita, Sparkling Mezcal Margarita and now Sparkling Spicy Margarita.

For More Information: https://www.sipmargs.com/ 

We are joined by Steve Coomes, Kentucky Bourbon Festival Programming Coordinator, to highlight the 2023 Festival's educational programming including premium and included events. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 15-17, 2023. More than 50 bourbon brands are participating this year — and sampling is included with all tickets! Many brands will also have bottles to sell including exclusive KBF bottle picks.  Additionally, the KBF is expanding and upgrading food offerings, including an all-new partnership with the Louisville Food Truck Association. Buy tickets to the Festival and Premium events (details below) at kybourbonfestival.com.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival Tickets Go On Sale May 11th
• 194: The Best of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2022
• 183: Kentucky Bourbon Festival: "Only Whiskey. Only in Bardstown."
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival
• Tickets – Kentucky Bourbon Festival
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival, KY
  

Kentucky Bourbon Festival Premium Event Lineup:

Thursday

• An Ideal Pairing: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Whiskey and Kentucky Foods, BBC Nat. Brand. Amb. Jaz'min Weaver and Steve Coomes
• Ultra-Premium Cask-Finished Whiskey Tasting with Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s Dan Callaway 

Friday

• The Black Manhattan: A Trio of Tastes: Heather Wibbles, The Cocktail Contessa
• Bourbon Opener, featuring Bardstown Bourbon Co
• Craft Cocktail Innovations: Tin Le, mixologist, The Kitchen Table at James B. Beam Distillery
• Whiskey Blending: A Confluence of Art and Science: Ashley Barnes, Monica Wolf, owners, The Spirits Group
• The Bourbon Engagement, Featuring James B. Beam Distilling Co.
• Whiskeys from Way Back When: Tasting Rare and Vintage Pours with Travis Hill
• Saturday
• Party Time! A Mixologist's Tips and Tricks for Batched Cocktails: Catherine Manabat, Mixologist, New Riff Distilling
• The Bourbon Opener, Featuring Brown-Forman
• Thoroughly Modern Meals Made with Bourbon: Chef Nokee Bucayu, Wiltshire on Main and Wiltshire at The Speed
• A Deep Dive Into Whiskey Making and Tasting with Danny Kahn, master distiller, distillation/aging ops. director, Sazerac
• The Annual Master Distillers' Auction (open to all ticketed guests)
• The 7-Year Sip: A Vertical Tasting of Wilderness Trail Whiskeys led by co-founders Shane Baker and Pat Heist

Sunday

• Bourbon, Bacon and Biscuits, Featuring Michter's
• When In Doubt, Cook with Bourbon: Seth Kinder, chef, Barn8 Restaurant
• Kicked-Up Cocktail Innovation with Randi Densford, mixologist, Barn8 Restaurant

Jake and Jake sit down with Ian Rapoport, who has some of the fastest fingers and is one of the most connected men in the NFL.  During this episode, we start to get the lay of the land of how an insider works, how to balance work and life in this "up to the second" environment, and how he began to enjoy whiskey.  You won't want to miss this podcast! 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Ian Rapoport 

Ian Rapoport is an NFL Network Insider for the National Football League. He works as a sportswriter, expert, and television analyst who primarily covers the sport of professional football. Ian joined the NFL Network in 2012 and is known for reporting breaking information via his Twitter account from league and team personnel.

In 2004, Ian started his career for the Jackson Clarion-Ledger covering the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Following this, Ian went to The Birmingham News covering the Alabama Crimson Tide football, basketball, baseball and Nick Saban. His last stop before the NFL Network was the Boston Herald where he worked as the Patriots beat reporter and covered all aspects of the team and Bill Belichick.

Ian grew up in Westchester County, New York, and attended Columbia University majoring in history. Outside of work, his interests include hosting his RapSheet and Friends podcast, golf, 5 am workouts, 90's hip-hop, and spending time with his beautiful wife Leah and two sons, Max and Jude.

If you aren't following him on Twitter with his other 4 million followers, you can do so here, or you can catch him almost daily on NFL Network.

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

Dixon Dedman joins the Bourbon Lens podcast for the first time since Episode 59 to discuss his new venture, 2XO (Two Times Oak).  We discuss his creative process, his thoughts on current state of the whiskey world, and, of course, the latest release from 2XO - The Innkeeper's Blend.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About The Innkeeper's Blend - Icon Series

The Innkeeper's Blend is the second small batch blend in the brand's Icon Series. The Innkeeper's Blend pays homage to the Dedman family's century-plus history in the hospitality industry, as previous owners of the famed Beaumont Inn on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. The Innkeeper's Blend mouthfeel is viscous and rich, moving from caramel sweetness on the front, to ripe red fruit in the middle, finishing with a light, peppery spice.

About 2XO

2XO is a new whiskey brand from renowned blender Dixon Dedman. 2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to Dixon's unique blending process where he re-barrels his hand-selected whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend.

The 2XO brand will consist of a series of limited-time small batch offerings (Icon Series), a series of single barrel releases (Gem of Kentucky Series), and an everyday blend offering (Oak Series). Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bares a distinctive name and symbol inspired by Dixon's passion to innovate, collaborate, and create high quality whiskeys with unique characteristics and profiles.

The Innkeeper's Blend will be followed by the third release in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend, the first blend in the Oak Series, American Oak, and the first single barrel, limited time release from the Gem of Kentucky Series.

About Dixon Dedman

Dixon Dedman is a 41-year-old blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl bourbon and rye blends. He grew up on the whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his previously owned James Beard award winning Beaumont Inn. His credentials are unsurpassed among high-end whisky retailers, writers, and collectors. He's a foodie, a wine connoisseur, runs marathons, and is a sneakerhead who connects with a broad range of drinkers, from millennials to boomers.

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• Dixon Dedman and 2XO Release Second Bourbon: The Innkeeper's Blend
• 59: Kentucky Owl and Dixon Dedman - Bourbon Lens
• 2XO Whiskey
• Dixon Dedman is Back to Blending
• Dixon Dedman (@dixon_dedman) • Instagram photos and videos

Jake & Jake sit down with Nic Barisone of High Camp Flasks to talk about life in Northern California, getting outdoors, crafting homemade pizza and much more.  You will want to pack this podcast along with you as you take your next adventure outdoors.  And don't forget your High Camp Flask either! 

Don't miss the opportunity to win a High Camp Flask, head on over to Instagram for your chance to win.  The full rules are below: 

• Like the giveaway post on Instagram 
• Must be following: @Highcampflasks @drinkoffhours @bourbonlens
• Must be 21 or older to enter and win⁠
• Tag your adventure buddy below (more comments, more entries) 
• Share this post on your story for an extra entry 
• Giveaway ends July 5, 2023
• *Winner chosen randomly and notified via DM.
• This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

Thanks for listening to Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Nic Barisone

Nic is the co-founder of High Camp Flasks, he lives in Northern California with his wife.  When Nic isn't working he is headed out to the biking trails, while once an avid surfer, he doesn't shred the nar much anymore. He currently is an avid pizza maker and shares as such on our latest episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. 

About High Camp Flasks 

Our mission at High Camp Flasks is to craft a drinking experience worthy of your adventure. High Camp Flasks is the bridge between the craft beverage market and the outdoors, providing a solution to transporting your favorite spirits to any outdoor environment.

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey.

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

We are joined by Eric LeGrand and Eric LeGrand Whiskey co-founder Brian Axelrod. We discuss Eric's inspirational story about his path from Rutgers University football star to champion advocate for spinal cord injury research, his grit, positivity, and determination both on and off the field, and what led him to create a whiskey bearing his name.  Jake was very inspired by Eric during his football years and during this episode and we are so thankful to Eric and Brian for joining us to tell their story for our listeners. 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

ABOUT ERIC LEGRAND BOURBON:

Co-Founded by Eric LeGrand and Brian Axelrod, Eric LeGrand Bourbon is developed with choice heartland grown corn, limestone purified water, the freshest rye and barley available. Aged no less than two years in perfectly charred oak barrels, our premier whiskey boasts a warm nose and a smooth and crisp finish.

For more information on Eric LeGrand Bourbon, visit www.ericlegrandwhiskey.com and follow them on Instagram @LeGrandWhiskey 

ABOUT ERIC LEGRAND:

In October 2010, Rutgers University football star, Eric LeGrand, sustained a spinal cord injury at his C3 and C4 vertebrae during a fourth quarter play at MetLife Stadium. While the initial prognosis was grim, Eric demonstrated his titan strength by shattering all expectations for his recovery and rehabilitation. Eric harnessed the national spotlight he attracted from his injury to give back to the community and inspire those living with and impacted by paralysis to bELieve. Team LeGrand was launched in September 2013 as a fundraising arm for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Since its inception, Team LeGrand has raised well over two million dollars for the Reeve Foundation. During his time as a participant of the Reeve Foundation's NeuroRecovery Network, he took part in a rigorous rehabilitation regime, including locomotor training, to re-teach his body how to walk and improve his quality of life. Eric has since regained movement in his shoulders and improvements to his overall health. From becoming an author, sports analyst for ESPN, Sirius, the Big Ten Network and Rutgers radio, to a much sought after motivational speaker, Eric has given a voice to the paralysis community to mobilize support for critical initiatives, policies and cutting-edge research. He has been recognized and received awards by Sports Illustrated, ESPY Awards, and the WWE Hall Of Fame. He also realized his NFL dream when his college coach and then Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, Greg Schiano, signed him to a professional contract in 2012. In May 2014, Eric graduated from Rutgers University where he was an honored speaker at the commencement ceremony. Since his injury, Eric has shown the world that obstacles can be transformed into opportunities, and he will continue to drive his mission forward until he delivers on Christopher Reeve's dream of a world with empty wheelchairs. To Eric, it is not a matter of if he walks again, but rather when. Additionally, he has extended his versatility by becoming a savvy entrepreneur. In 2019, he created his own clothing brand, Shop Fifty Two and in 2021, launched his own coffee brand, LeGrand Coffee House. In 2022, he co-founded a Rutgers collective entitled Knight Society with former Rutgers basketball player Geo Baker. Most recently, Eric has further extended his business portfolio by co-founding Eric LeGrand Bourbon.

ABOUT BRIAN AXELROD:

Brian Axelrod is a fixture of the U.S wines & spirits industry, with more than 20 years working on the distribution and commercial side of some the most iconic spirits labels in the world. A true connector of people and brands, recently Brian brought his experience and talent together to partner with Conor McGregor and his team to launch Proper No. Twelve in all types of accounts across North America. In 2021 Proper No. Twelve was purchased by Becle, owners of Jose Cuervo, in a deal worth up to US $600 million. Before partnering with Team McGregor, Brian worked on D'USSE Cognac as the Brand Director and Commercial Director for Champagne Armand de Brignac for over 6 years alongside Jay-Z and Desire Perez.

ABOUT THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community's voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit www.christopherreeve.org or call 800-225-0292. 

Bourbon Lens Coverage and Show Links:

• Eric LeGrand Bourbon Available Now In Kentucky!
• KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
• Eric LeGrand 
• Eric LeGrand creates new bourbon brand to help support those who are paralyzed

This week Jake & Jake sit down with George LaBoda of Gent's Lounge and Atlas and Mason.  We dive into discussions of men's fashion, such as wearing skinny jeans or what knot to tie with your dress shirt, the importance of finding friends that you have deep bonds with, and what it's like to become a dad.

Make sure you tune into this week's episode so you are never out of style! 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About George Laboda

George currently lives in California with his wife and baby daughter.  He is the cofounder of the popular YouTube channel Gent's Lounge and founder of Atlas and Mason.  When George is not  helping men understand the basics of fashion and style he is enjoying a pour of whiskey or a cigar.

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott recap their time at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, sharing highlights from the annual celebration of Bourbon in Bardstown, Kentucky. From new releases to conversations with fellow enthusiasts, the festival once again showcased why Bourbon continues to thrive as Kentucky's signature industry.

The conversation then turns to a practical guide for Bourbon drinkers — building a home bar with the best sub-$50 Kentucky Bourbons. Jake and Scott break down what makes this price point so valuable, pointing to age statements, medium-to-high proof bottlings, and unique finishes that bring character without breaking the bank.

Listeners will hear their top picks for sub-$50 Bourbons that offer strong quality-to-value ratios, along with recommendations for bottles that deliver both flavor and accessibility.

Finally, Jake and Scott invite feedback from listeners: What are your go-to Kentucky Bourbons under $50? Send us your recommendations and join the conversation as we continue to explore the best bottles for every Bourbon lover's shelf.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review.

We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast.

You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more.

Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews.

Cheers,
Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Note: Cover Art AI Generated

Jake and Scott recently had a unique opportunity to create their own whiskies thanks to Oak & Eden's new "Whiskey Customizer." The new online experience allows you to be the whiskey-maker and select from over 2,000 unique combinations to craft your own unique finished whiskey.  Jake and Scott each created our own whiskey and sat down with them blind to identify what our choices were and how they stacked up against each other.  A big thank you to Oak & Eden for proposing this podcast idea and supplying us each the chance to customize our own bottle.

Oak & Eden, the Texas whiskey brand known for its unique "In-Bottle Finishing", has introduced its Whiskey Customizer. Whiskey Customizer makes Oak & Eden the first national spirit brand to offer single bottle customization for the masses. Move over single barrel picks! This is guaranteed to create a unique, one-off bottling for the whiskey aficionados and newbies alike. The Customizer allows consumers to explore and tweak a recipe from just over 200 possible combinations. The whiskies include 4 base options, 2 wood options, 2 proof options, and 11 infusions or no infusion. Oak & Eden has plans to add more options in the near future so the possibilities might be endless. Price for this unique bottling ranges from $59-$79 depending on the options you select.

Whiskey Customizer is available now online and shipping nationwide.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

Full Details from Oak & Eden:

Oak & Eden's proprietary In-Bottle Finishing technique was just the start of the founders' vision. Rooted by the innovative spire, the brand developed Whiskey Customizer, becoming the first national spirit brand to offer single bottle customization for the masses. Whether you're an avid whiskey fan wanting to experiment or looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, Whiskey Customizer has a little something for everyone.

To kick off the experience, customers are invited to build their custom bottle by selecting a desired whiskey base out of Bourbon, Four Grain Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon or Rye. Each base has been aged a minimum of three years. All four whiskey bases are available in 90 proof and 114 proof. After selecting the base and proof, builders may then choose the preferred wooden spire to be infused or inserted into the base with no infusion. Wood options include an American Oak spire, lending a sweet and toasty finish, or a French Oak spire, lending a floral and peppery finish.

Builders can also select their spire to be infused with Coffee, Vanilla, Grapefruit Liqueur, Orange Liqueur, Pineapple Liqueur, Blackberry Liqueur, Cabernet, Port Wine, Rum, Honey, or Maple Syrup which is then inserted into the bottle. Oak & Eden plans to add to its infusion options, introducing seasonal and limited l-batch options quarterly, making the possibilities with Whiskey Customizer truly limitless.

As a final step, customers can make the bottle theirs by personalizing the label or adding someone else's as a great gifting option. Shipping is available nationwide! We recommend that the bottle sit for 3 weeks after arrival to guarantee that the in-bottle finishing process has been fully completed.

Bourbon Lens Coverage:

• New 'Whiskey Customizer' Helps Craft Your Custom Whiskey Online - Bourbon Lens
• Whiskey Customizer - Oak & Eden

Jake & Jake sit down with 14 year Major League Baseball veteran Jay Bruce.  In this week's episode, we talk about finding your passion in your second career, having a healthy relationship with little league sports, and what it is like to be a family man.  Tune in to this week's episode, we think it's a home run! 

Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens.
Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Off Hours

Off Hours Bourbon is made for afternoon relaxations and late night convos as it dispels the idea that you have to wear a suit to drink a glass of Bourbon or that it can only be enjoyed poured over rocks at the end of the day. The award-winning liquid is aged in American white oak barrels for over 5 years. Tasting notes include aromas of creamy vanilla, hint of nutmeg and toasted pecans, rich notes of cinnamon and a silky finish of lingering honey. 

You can find out more about Off Hours with Bourbon Lens here.

About Jay Bruce

A 14 year Major League Baseball veteran broke onto the scene in 2008 with the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 21.  From there, Jay would go on to be known as a hard hitting, right fielder.  While Jay amassed quite a bit of success during his 14 year career, he notably completed his career with over 300 home runs and nearly 1500 hits.  

Now retired since 2021, Jay enjoys time with his wife, Hannah, and their children.  When not coaching little league baseball, Jay is an avid hunter and recently purchased Sure-Shot Game Calls as a way to enjoy life post-MLB. 

Sure-Shot Game Calls

Sure-Shot Game Calls was established in 1959 after founders George Yentzen and James "Cowboy" Fernandez designed and patented the first double reed duck call. The original Yentzen caller was cut out of black walnut on a back porch in Nederland, TX, and became the first double reed duck call to win a World Championship.

Today, Sure-Shot Game Calls, still made in Texas, maintains a commitment to innovation and attention to detail, providing hunters with exceptional tools for the field, and fostering a love for the outdoors. Sure-Shot has played an integral role in waterfowl hunting for generations, and is still helping create memories.

We're joined by the Call Family (Ron, Clayton, and Jacob). We discuss the new Hemingway Rye Whiskey and their work at Western Kentucky Distilling, which they've built from the ground up in Beaver Dam, Kentucky.  Each member of this father-sons trio brings a unique perspective to the whiskey-making process.  We discuss their roles and visions for the distillery and the whiskies they produce. Thanks to the Call Family for joining us this week and for sharing a pour of Hemingway Whiskey as well as the stories. 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. 

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com.

Check out our BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and details on our upcoming single barrel picks.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Hemingway Whiskey:

Hemingway Rye Whiskey is a new premium rye whiskey brand, from the new Hemingway Whiskey Company, and is inspired by American Author, Journalist and Storyteller Ernest Hemingway. It was founded by a team with deep roots in Kentucky whiskey, led by Steve Groth, whiskey pioneer and co-founder of the revered Angel's Envy Bourbon brand and the Calls, Ron, Jacob and Clayton, a distilling family with more than 230 years of whiskey making experience. The Hemingway Whiskey Company is part of Old Man and the Sea Brands®, an innovative spirits company that owns Hemingway Rum Company, makers of Papa's Pilar Rum. They are known for bringing high quality spirits and incredible stories to drinkers around the country. For more information, visit www.hemingwaywhiskeys.com and follow @hemingwaywhiskeys.

About Western Kentucky Distilling Co.

Western Kentucky Distilling Co. is a bourbon and rye whiskey distillery located in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. The 100% Kentucky-owned distillery is scheduled to open mid-2023 as the first official distillery in Ohio County under the leadership of eighth-generation distiller and Kentuckian Jacob Call and President JD Edwards. From purchasing all cooking, fermenting, and distilling equipment in Kentucky, including a Vendome 36" copper still, to plans to use all locally grown Kentucky corn, the team is proud to support the local community and the state of Kentucky. For more information, visit https://www.wkydistilling.com.

Bourbon Lens Coverage:

• Hemingway Rye Whiskey Introduced with First Edition Bottles - Bourbon Lens 

• A Whiskey Worthy of a Story: Hemingway Rye Whiskey Review - Bourbon Lens

• Western Kentucky Distilling Co. Taps 8th Generation Distiller for its New $30M facility - Bourbon Lens