Bourbon Lens

We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery.  Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode.  We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Double Barrel Bourbon.   Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.  We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give 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, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com. Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Cedar Ridge Distillery: In 2005, Jeff and Laurie Quint founded Cedar Ridge Distillery because they believed it was time for Iowa–the number one corn-producing state in the U.S.–to share its homegrown bourbon whiskey with the world. Today, as Iowa’s first and oldest distillery, Cedar Ridge Distillery provides premium Midwest whiskey from America’s grain belt, managing every step of production while allowing nature to be the ultimate guide. Influenced by its heritage of winemaking and roots in agriculture, Cedar Ridge Distillery consistently produces high-quality, award-winning products including Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey. Learn more at CedarRidgeDistillery.com. About Murphy Quint – Master Distiller and Director of Operations at Cedar Ridge Murphy grew up in the business with his parents opening Cedar Ridge Distillery while he was still a kid. His path to becoming the master distiller and director of operations for the company didn’t just have him working at the family distillery, though. He also spent some time at Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver before returning back to the family business in Swisher, Iowa. Since then he has held many roles, until he ultimately took over as the Master Distiller and is leading the future of whiskey at the Cedar Ridge Distillery.

We’re on location at Whiskey House with two of its co-founders, David Mandell and John Hargrove. Located in Elizabethtown Kentucky, Whiskey House is heading into the final stages of construction and plans to be the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. We learn about their plans to satisfy a unique need in the whiskey world and potentially disrupt the current sourced whiskey market. Whiskey House’s sole focus is their customers and, in that vein, this facility will not be open to the public. The Whiskey House will assist its customers in every step from grain to bottle, offering full customization and brand support along the way.  We can’t thank Whiskey House enough for giving Bourbon Lens a peek inside their facility and for telling their story through our podcast. To learn more before the facility begins full production in July 2024, visit www.whiskeyhouse.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 your support over the last 5 years. We must give 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, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at Info@BourbonLens.com. Check out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews. Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens About Whiskey House: Whiskey House of Kentucky is the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. Located on a 176-acre campus in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Whiskey House is the first facility designed from the ground up for large-scale, flexible, custom whiskey production. Whiskey House provides unparalleled customer service, competitive pricing, and complete transparency into the manufacturing process for its Custom Whiskey Production customers. It will begin operations in July 2024. To learn more, visit www.whiskeyhouse.com.

Friends and co-Founders, Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan, join Bourbon Lens in this week’s podcast. We’re talking Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, NC.  Tom and Matt started like most whiskey hobbyists do, with tasting nights in their basements and at their bars, but quickly developed their passion into a brand and now distillery.  Located in North Carolina, Oaklore is looking to embrace its community as it grows its distilling operation and its distribution footprint through DTC online sales.  We tasted their North Carolina Straight Rye and Four Grain Straight Bourbon in this episode and, as you’ll hear in the episode, enjoyed each of them. Aster checking out this episode, head to Oaklore’s website to learn more about their distillery and grab yourself a bottle. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there.  We are thankful for your support over the last 5 years. We must give 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, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest 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 JakeBourbon Lens   About the Whiskey: North Carolina Straight Rye Proof: 92 proof Mash bill: 70% rye, 20% corn and 10% malted barley Tasting Notes: Starts with light wood tones on the nose, almost like a kiss from the barrel. The palette comes through with some agave notes, then transitions into sweet rye cereal. The finish is subtle and sweet, with some medium pepper spices. About the product: The story of the stave couldn’t be more evident than in the small batch rye whiskey we produce. Each batch is created using different pages of a stunningly beautiful story. You’ll fall in love with each chapter!   Bringing together our best 6-year-old barrels from our sister distillery here in North Carolina, our rye whiskey is a grain-to-glass local product, showcasing what the ideal climate of the Piedmont region of North Carolina can do to a whiskey as it ages.  The constant large swing in daily temperature year-round forces the barrels to breath deeper and more often, allowing the whiskey to penetrate the grooves at a higher rate. Oaklore Four Grain Straight Bourbon Proof: 92 proof Mash bill: 72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye and 7% malted barley Tasting Notes: Starts with a nose full of pecans and buttered honey cake. Once it hits the palette, silky smooth toffee bar takes over. Then a lingering finish of butterscotch, leaving a light spice on the tongue. About the product: This is Tom and Matt's heart. They are bourbon guys through and through and wanted to bring quality and creativity to the spirit, so they chose to pursue the four grain. As a rare find on the shelves, this style of bourbon brings depth and uniqueness. Bringing together our best 4- to 6-year-old barrels from our sister distilleries in North Carolina and Kentucky we batch them, let them get to know each other for 48 hours or so, then re-barrel them in the same barrels for additional aging.  Once we feel the barrels are ready and matured, we batch them one last time before proofing and bottling to 92-proof.

For the first time in 4 years, Chattanooga Whiskey founder Tim Piersant rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up with the guys. Chattanooga Whiskey is a homegrown company that makes a unique style of whiskey in Tennessee; they call it Tennessee High Malt.  They focus on unique and malted grains for their Mashbills and release a lineup of solid whiskeys as their standard offerings as well as their more limited runs.  Whether it’s the Experimental, Bottled in Bond Vintage, Vault, or Cask Finishing series, you can always expect high value and a thoughtful, intentional 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 your support over the last 5 years. We must give 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, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest 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 JakeBourbon Lens   About Chattanooga Whiskey: Starting in 2011, Chattanooga Whiskey challenged the laws and won the right to distill whiskey in Chattanooga for the first time in over 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery now hosts over 40,000 visitors per year and serves as a hub of innovation and creativity to push the boundaries of craft whiskey. The Riverfront Distillery is the production home to Chattanooga Whiskey’s signature Tennessee High Malt expressions: Chattanooga Whiskey 91, Cask 111, 99 Rye, and the Bottled in Bond Vintage Series. What is Tennessee High Malt? Tennessee High Malt is our signature style of Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Made with 4 grains, including 3 select specialty malts, our process includes extended 7-day fermentation, aging in two different charred and toasted white oak barrels, and a Solera barrel finishing. Each ingredient and each step of the process plays a unique role in creating the rich and complex character of Chattanooga Whiskey.

Our guest this week is Kyle Merklein, Master Distiller for Holladay Distillery.  Based in Weston, Missouri, Holladay Distillery made a splash in the bourbon world when they released a 6 Year Botted in Bond Missouri Bourbon in 2022.  Since that time, they’ve had several additional releases, including the highly acclaimed Soft Red Wheat Bourbon and Rickhouse Proof Bourbon.  Kyle Merklein joins Bourbon Lens to discuss his unconventional path to Master Distiller and what makes Holladay’s lineup of Missouri Bourbons unique. Don’t miss this week’s episode, especially if you want to learn more about bourbon made outside of Kentucky.   Learn more about Holladay Distillery, including their current bourbon lineup, 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, and 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 JakeBourbon Lens Image Credit: Holladay Distillery

Bourbon Lens visits Louisville’s premier whiskey bar and restaurant, Watch Hill Proper.  Founders Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs sit down with Jake and Scott to discuss their journey to opening Watch Hill Proper.  This is a true destination to see when visiting Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Find out why in today’s 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, and 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 JakeBourbon Lens About Watch Hill Proper: Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen, located in Norton Commons, is the world’s most extensive American whiskey bar. Since opening in April 2022, Watch Hill Proper’s American whiskey selections have grown to nearly 2000 unique bottles, making it the largest American Whiskey bar in the world. The purpose of Watch Hill Proper is to be a dining destination that celebrates American whiskey from all around the country but in particular Kentucky bourbon. The restaurant hosts many public and private events, including bourbon and wine tastings, meet and greets with bourbon master distillers, and themed dinners. For more information, visit www.watchhillproper.com. About the Owners: Josh Howes has extensive business ownership experience having owned many companies since 2001 and currently owning several companies including Blue Energy Group. Josh's experience as a business owner has been in the construction and engineering industries. As a licensed professional engineer in 49 states, Josh works with dozens of companies in the construction and energy service markets including several Fortune 500 companies. Josh's business experience, sales experience, and employee management experience wise a major asset to Watch Hill Proper. Tommy Craggs has extensive experience in the alcohol industry dating back to 1999. Tommy has served fourteen years as manager of a locally-owned bar at Mr. G's, eight years as a locally-owned liquor store franchise manager and educator at Liquor World, and three years as one of the world's largest distillery's guides and bourbon educator at Heaven Hill. Tommy is a Bourbon Steward and Certified Spirit Specialist. Tommy's experience in working with suppliers and wholesalers, extensive knowledge of bourbon history and bourbon production, and success as a bar manager is a major asset to Watch Hill Proper. Image Credit: Watch Hill Proper  

Troy Bolotnick is back for his encore appearance on Bourbon Lens to talk about Filmland Spirits.  We discuss Filmland Spirits and their expanded lineup since his last visit, including the Extended Cut bottlings of Moonlight Mayhem and Ryes of the Robots.  Extended Cut is the brand’s Cask Strength offering of their whiskies.  Since his last appearance, Filmland has also debuted Town at the End of Tomorrow, a limited release 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.   We’ll talk about what’s in the pipeline for the brand, including the possibility of some finished whiskey offerings and their growth / market expansion.   Here’s the full list of current releases from Filmland Spirits (Affiliate Links): Moolight Mayhem Small Batch Bourbon Mash Bill: 75% Corn / 21% Rye  / 4% Malted Barley  Aged in American White Oak for 4+ years ABV:  47% / 94 Proof SRP: $54.95 (750ml) Accolades: Double Gold Medal, 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition  Ryes of The Robots Rye Whiskey Mash Bill: 95 % Rye / 5 % Malted Barley  Aged in American White Oak for 4+ years ABV:  47% / 94 Proof SRP: $59.95  (750ml) Accolades: Gold Medal, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut (Cask Strength Bourbon) Mash Bill: 75 % Corn / 21 % Rye / 4 % Malted Barley Aged in White American Oak for 4+ years ABV: 57.5% / 115 proof SRP: $79.95 (750 ml) Accolades: Gold Medal, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Ryes of The Robots Extended Cut (Cask Strength Rye) Mash Bill: 95% Rye/ 5% Malted Barley Aged in White American Oak for 4+ years ABV: 54% / 108 proof SRP: $74.95 (750 ml)  Town at the End of Tomorrow (Limited Release 9 Year Bourbon) Mash Bill: 78% Corn / 13% Rye  / 9% Malted Barley Aged in American White Oak for 9 years  ABV:  47% / 94 Proof SRP: $109.99 (750ml) Filmland Spirits 4 Bottle Collection    About Filmland Spirits  Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Filmland Spirits is an award-winning portfolio of small batch American whiskeys founded in 2020 by a team of whiskey enthusiasts, movie buffs and storytellers. The initial offerings are crafted from some of the finest whiskeys selected from across the country which are brought to Kentucky where they are aged, blended, finished and bottled by the Filmland Spirits team. These ultra-premium liquids are housed in custom bottles inspired by the world of moviemaking, then paired with a label that is a movie poster based on an original B-movie script written specifically for each expression. For more information, visit filmlandspirits.com.

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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon 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 JakeBourbon Lens