Bourbon Pursuit

Old Soul Tintype Series No. 3 honors blues legend Kenny Brown with an 11 year, 103.5 proof bourbon built on a high rye MGP mash bill. We break down the sweet tea and strawberry notes, rich brown sugar caramel, and that bold charred barrel kick that Southern aging brings. Does the heat make the difference? Let’s find out.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for March 6th 2026. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and the Louisville Bats have announced a multi-year partnership, Heaven Hill has 2 new releases, and Pursuit Spirits has the new Sakura Bloom Bourbon.Show Notes: Whiskey Thief and Louisville Bats partner to debut home plate speakeasy and stadium club Give 270 announces 20/20 Unicorn raffle featuring 1988 vintage Old Rip Van Winkle Hotel Distil launches Peerless Distilling Suite featuring historical artifacts and immersive tastings Pursuit Spirits debuts Pursuit United Sakura Bloom Bourbon finished in Japanese cherry wood Burnt Church Distillery celebrates fifth anniversary with 100% Seashore Black Rye Whiskey Bulleit releases Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon as its first permanent rye-free expression Barrell Craft Spirits adds 12-Year Toasted American Oak Finish to premium Red Label Series Larrikin Bourbon Co. unveils 2026 Rosewater Bourbon proofed with house-brewed botanical water Heaven Hill launches Deatsville 13-Year-Old as first entry in commemorative site tribute series Heaven Hill Heritage Collection returns with 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon at barrel proof Jack Daniel’s and McLaren F1 debut 86-proof limited edition for 1000th Grand Prix milestone Log Still Distillery and Archdiocese of Louisville release second annual Bishop’s Blend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the bourbon market hitting a breaking point, or are we just drowning in a sea of average whiskey? Or maybe we're just trying to pick at things because that's what we do! Today's show didn't have a theme other than airing some grievances we see across the bourbon landscape. And the guy who has all the hot takes is Matt "The Colonel" Kusek. Matt never pulls his punches, and today we'll talk about the non-stop barrage of Limited Time Offerings (LTOs) and if NDPs are more exciting now than traditional heritage distilleries. We kick things off with a candid look at the struggle of creating fresh content in a saturated market and ask the tough question, has the rush to release more bottles caused a massive dip in quality? We've seen it in secondary markets because if every release is special then nothing is special. We also dive into the psychology of the "hunt" and why consumer demands are shifting. Matt poses a challenge to the big brands, questioning if they're falling behind while smaller, more nimble players to innovate. And we debate the future of "trophy" bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and whether collectability can survive. If you’ve ever looked at a shelf of $100 bottles and wondered if any are actually worth it, maybe this episode will tell you it's all psychology. Show Notes: The challenges of producing engaging content in the bourbon industry The current state and originality of limited-time offerings Consumer behavior and the perception of high-status brands like Pappy Van Winkle The impact of non-distiller producers on quality and collectible options Humorous tales from personal barrel picks and bourbon adventures Predictions for the future of collectible and innovative whiskeys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 years in the barrel. $1,200 price tag. A mysterious mash bill and just 42 barrels blended. We dive into Blade & Bow 30 Year Bourbon and break down the dusty funk, cherry Smarties, pecan pie richness, and whether this ultra-aged release truly outshines the usual trophy bottles. This one surprised us.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 27th 2026. The USDA has awarded the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) over $1.07 million to promote American spirits, Pursuit Spirits has released The Alpha Barrel, and Heaven Hill Distillery announces the release of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition.Show Notes: Hotaling & Co. shuttering Pier 50 distillery to focus on brand building and importing Former HR VP files whistleblower lawsuit against Bardstown Bourbon Company alleging corporate misconduct American Whiskey Association President addresses industry "normalization" and global growth potential Iowa House committee approves bill to end state's monopoly on liquor distribution Mississippi facing severe alcohol shortages due to state-run warehouse technical failures North Carolina SBI investigating nonprofit "Greater Carolina" over alleged improper distillery lobbying President Trump invokes Section 122 of Trade Act to impose global 15% import surcharge USDA awards DISCUS $1.07 million to promote American spirits in global markets Pursuit Spirits announces "The Alpha Barrel" as its first barrel-proof single-barrel expression Limestone Branch Distillery launches "The Branch" members-only whiskey society Columbia Creek Tennessee Whiskey officially launches 95.6 proof six-year expression Bourbon & Beyond announces record-breaking artist lineup for September 2026 festival Heaven Hill debuts Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Kentucky Distillers’ Association launches interactive "Build Your Own Bourbon Trail" trip builder Michter’s shipping highly anticipated 2026 release of its 10 Year Bourbon this March Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the bourbon industry about to meet its biggest competitor? Today, we’re welcoming back a familiar face, Jim Higdon, co-founder of Cornbread Hemp and the author of The Cornbread Mafia. Last time Jim was on Episode 342, we were talking about the history of Kentucky's most infamous drug ring, but today we’re looking at the future of cannabis and how it’s fighting for its life against big bourbon. It's no doubt that THC beverages have been on a meteoric rise and Jim shares a vision of a future where a THC drink is just as mainstream as a vodka soda was back in the '60s. But it’s not an easy road; Right now there is a lobbyist war, where Jim feels bourbon's powerful political engines are squaring off against the hemp industry to protect their shelf space. It gets a bit dicey with Fred taking the counterposition but I won't ruin it for you. Jim also highlights the looming legislative cliff, breaking down the regulatory hurdles and upcoming deadlines that could threaten the entire hemp-derived industry overnight. It’s a conversation about coexistence, regulation, and what you might see a different on your liquor store shelves very soon. Show Notes: Comparisons between THC beverages and historical liquor consumption patterns Growth story of Cornbread Hemp from CBD to THC labels The impact of bourbon lobbyists on cannabis regulatory issues Importance of the upcoming November deadline for hemp legality Variances in THC regulations across different states Consumer safety and dosage concerns regarding THC beverages Future collaboration potential between bourbon and cannabis industries Advocacy strategies for hemp products within the political landscape Reflection on the ongoing evolution of cannabis regulation and societal perception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wild Turkey drops one of its most anticipated bottles of the year: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E. Floor 5. 128 proof. $300. We break down the sweet oak, blackberry cobbler vibes, leather, spice, and whether this limited release truly earns its price tag. Is this the one to chase?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter’s Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.Show Notes: E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers Unicorn Auctions’ 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250 Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails Maker’s Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women’s leadership through Vital Voices Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels Michter’s prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you put a pioneer of American Single Malt in a room with a master of Irish heritage? Well we’re finding out today as we step outside the bluegrass to explore the global world of malt. We’re joined by Justin Aden from Stranahan's and Alex Thomas from Bushmills to break down the art of the blend and why local ingredients become a key competitve advantage in this market. Justin talks to us about the high-altitude of aging in Colorado and the rise of the American Single Malt category, while Alex gives us a masterclass on Bushmills' legendary triple distillation and the weight of managing a distillery with centuries of history. We dig in further in to how two completely different climates and traditions approach the task of building a consistent, world-class whiskey. We also get into the "friendly" rivalries of the whiskey world and discuss why American Single Malt is finally getting the seat at the table it deserves. Show Notes: American single malt production insights The legacy of Bushmills and blending techniques The evolution of Irish whiskey and its relation to Scotch Tasting highlights from Stranahan’s and Bushmills Cultural dynamics and the rise of American single malts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willett Purple Top is legendary and usually ultra-premium. So what happens when Willett turns that DNA into a 4-year small batch bourbon at 127 proof and under $70? We break down the mash bills, the sweetness, the funk, and whether this bold move actually works. This one sparked a real debate.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Bourbon Community Roundtable, and the panel is locked, loaded, and ready to talk about the one number that drives every enthusiast crazy: The Proof. We look at how we all start with those easy-drinking, low-proof staples like Kentucky Tavern before eventually finding ourselves chasing the high-octane allure of barrel-strength pours. We even get into some fun hypotheticals—if you could sample the same bourbon at every proof point from barrel to 80, how would that change your understanding of your favorite brand? Whether you’re a 90-proof purist or a barrel-strength junkie, we’re breaking down why the best bottle on your shelf is ultimately the one that tastes the best to you. Is the industry pushing proof too far, or have we finally found the sweet spot? We’re debating it all. Show Notes: Evolution of bourbon drinking from low proof to high proof Insights into how proof affects whiskey blending and flavor Discussion on consumer perception of barrel-proof vs. proofed-down expressions Exploration of notable brands and their proof characteristics Fun hypotheticals regarding proof sampling experiences Final thoughts on the importance of proof in the bourbon journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yellowstone celebrates 10 years with a special anniversary blend featuring multiple mash bills aged 10 years or more. At 105 proof and $100, this Whiskey Quickie dives into sweet oak, tobacco, citrus, malted chocolate notes, and a bold, well-layered palate. A milestone release worth a closer look.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 6th 2026. The court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest, presents a grim financial outlook for the whiskey brand, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops, and Brown Forman is releasing King of Kentucky Small Batch.Show Notes: Uncle Nearest faces insolvency with $164M debt and revenue shortfall ABC Fine Wine & Spirits enters Colorado with Applejack acquisition Kentucky Bourbon Trail expands to record 68 stops statewide Barrell Craft Spirits consolidates blending operations to original Gilmore facility Supreme Court weighs legality of out-of-state alcohol shipping bans Kentucky Bourbon industry economic impact surges to $10.6 billion Jim Beam taps Kenan Thompson for 2026 "Refresh Your Season" campaign Yellowstone Bourbon partners with Vital Ground Foundation for grizzly conservation King of Kentucky announces 250th Anniversary Small Batch three-part series Shortbarrel launches Four Grain Straight Bourbon flagship for nationwide distribution Buzzard’s Roost unveils 5-year-old Four Grain Double Oak Bourbon Chattanooga Whiskey debuts Irish-style Batch 047: Single Pot Still Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a forgotten, dusty bottle of bourbon actually save a life? That’s the question we’re tackling today with the one and only Fred Minnick. Fred gives us a first hand account of this personal project from his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life. Fred gets incredibly candid about his battles with PTSD following his military service and how the legacy of Old Crow, a brand many today just overlook on the bottom shelf, played a pivotal role in his journey toward healing. But it’s not all heavy; in classic Fred fashion, he shares some hilarious and heartwarming personal anecdotes, including the story of his first date with his wife and how she has been someone who has pushed him in his bourbon career. We also go into the history of the legendary James C. Crow and how his innovations shaped the industry we love today. This episode is more than just a history lesson. it’s a powerful look at resilience, the importance of storytelling, and a reminder to keep chasing your passion no matter how tough the road gets. Show Notes: Fred's inspiration to write "Bottom Shelf" How Fred’s military background influenced his bourbon narrative Funny highlights from Fred and Jacqueline’s early relationship How Crow shaped modern bourbon practices What shifts occurred in the bourbon market due to National Distillers What Fred means by discovering your personal passion Why honesty is crucial in the narratives of bourbon How bourbon represents resilience and personal growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We found a bourbon that claims it’s aged in a historic railroad boxcar turned “rolling rickhouse”, so of course we had to taste it. Black Diamond (103 proof, $58) brings big chocolate-covered cherry energy with a creamy, candy-box palate, but the finish splits the room. Is train-car aging genius, gimmick, or the future?DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 30th 2026. Sotheby's has set a record for the most valuable bourbon ever sold at auction, Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction has announced a historic collaborative lot titled “United We Stand”, and Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have reclaimed and are relaunching their Belle Meade whiskey.Show Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils packaging redesign for core portfolio and new wheated single barrel option Uncle Nearest founders file emergency motion to end receivership amid plummeting sales and market value Sotheby’s sets $2.5M record for most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold at auction Off Hours Bourbon named "Official Partner of the Detroit Pistons" in multi-year sports collaboration Pursuit Spirits and partners announce "United We Stand" collaborative barrel auction for veteran charity Old Forester's 156-year legacy celebrated in new "Whiskeyland" documentary by the Balas Brothers Maker’s Mark Cask Strength receives premium bottle redesign and debut age statement Garrison Brothers to release first-ever Bottled in Bond Texas Bourbon on Texas Independence Day Nelson brothers reclaim Belle Meade brand for independent regional relaunch in Tennessee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how all these brands get into a bottle without owning a multi-million dollar distillery? We've talked about sourcing before but that's just one part of the puzzle. In this episode, we're going to talk about that second step, co-packing. We’re joined by Jeff Wuslich, he's the President of Cardinal Spirits and Cardinal Copacking, to break down what it takes to actually manufacture booze at scale. Jeff has a background in manufacturing and slowly became a cornerstone of the Indiana craft scene. Jeff also has their own brands they use to showcase their abilities and have relationships with powerhouses like MGP. One thing that interested me was RTDs and the explosion of the canned cocktail movement, but as Jeff will talk about there are some massive compliance headaches that come with them. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label or just want to know how the industry actually moves behind the scenss, this one side you need to understand.. Show Notes: The journey of launching a spirits brand in Indiana Understanding the co-packing process and client communications The relationship with MGP and its effects on business Emerging trends in the spirits industry, including ready-to-drink options Compliance issues and industry regulations in co-packing Financial insights and pricing dynamics in co-packing Tips for aspiring distillers navigating the co-packing landscape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While most of the industry uses December to wind down and coast into the new year, we’ve been doing the exact opposite. January hit and it was an immediate sprint. We’ve been back on the road, opening up new markets, and staring down the barrel of distributor meetings and case goals. If you look at our single barrel requests right now, everything is looking "up and to the right," but in this business, the view from the top is always a little precarious. The real question isn't just how you grow, but how you stay there. In this episode of Behind the Pursuit, Ryan and I are pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to enter new markets in 2026. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of distributor communications and why a solid on-premise strategy may be the only way to survive a landscape that is getting more crowded by the day. We also get honest about the challenges smaller brands face when trying to stay nimble while consumer preferences are shifting right under our feet. It’s a look at the balance between aggressive growth and the strategic planning you need to make sure that "up and to the right" trend doesn't just become a flash in the pan.Show Notes: Introduction and Market Overview Product Launches and Consumer Demand Market Trends and Consumer Preferences On-Premise Strategy and Cocktail Placement Challenges and Competition in the Whiskey Market Future Goals and Strategic Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We go bourbon hunting and land on Duck Club Bourbon, a smooth, easy-sipping blend with classic brown sugar, vanilla, and oak notes. At 92 proof and under $30, this one delivers big value.DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 23rd 2026. Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl have moved into a Chapter 7 liquidation, Casey Jones Distillery has been acquired B3 Beverage Company, and Penelope Bourbon is doing a collaboration with Serena & Lily.Show Notes: Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko officially departs distillery Meta restricts alcohol business pages on Facebook, slashing organic reach Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl move to Chapter 7 liquidation Court orders $34.5M sale of newly completed Luca Mariano Distillery Casey Jones Distillery joins B3 Beverage Company portfolio Kirin Holdings reportedly exploring $1B sale of Four Roses Bourbon New Riff Distilling announces return of award-winning Balboa Rye Penelope Bourbon and Serena & Lily debut Charleston-inspired "Beaufain" collaboration Knob Creek launches limited Eli Manning’s Bold Pick 2026 Cask Strength Bourbon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices