You may remember back on Episode 334 we talked about the engineering that goes into a distillery, but we forgot to start off with a key component, and that's the architecture. A quick google search for distillery architects will lead you to one place, Joseph, & Joseph + Bravura. This architecture firm is synonymous with creating the most iconic distillery and visitor center experiences across Kentucky. They got their start by designing Four Roses back in 1909 and have since then been the lead architects on places like Old Forester in downtown Louisville, Bardstown Bourbon Co, Michter's, LuxRow, Angel's Envy and so many more. We're joined by Cash Moter and Eric Huelsman who are both partners in the firm. We discuss the history of the firm and then we dive into what it takes to architect a distillery. Where to start and how do you design around constraints. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) ask what would happen if prohibition never happened How did you all become the premier place to go for architecting distilleries? How did the two firms come together? What other focuses did Joseph and Joseph have when bourbon was slow? Would you rather rehab something old or have a blank canvas? How does a conversation start about where to begin the process of architecting a distillery? How do you determine placement and arranging the tasting bar vs the still vs the bathrooms? How much influence does the customer have vs creative ideas you all have? What are some bad architectural ideas that haven't seen the light of day? Who's idea was it to start building rickhouse walls out of glass? What constraints do you typically have to work with? What was your initial reaction to the bourbon pyramids? How do you blend in old world and new world architecture? Do you have all the blueprints from the early 1900s for some distilleries? Do you envision being the one stop for having a distillery architect team? Can you have an AirBNB inside of a distillery? Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Castle & Key Bourbon. This 4 year old bourbon is 98 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 23rd 2022. Former VA ABC employee pleads guilty on embezzling information regarding bourbon releases. Bardstown Bourbon Co retires the Fusion series. Maker's Mark releases the barrel rotation wood finishing seriesShow Notes: Beam Suntory will produce more bourbon while cutting back on its greenhouse-gas emissions Former VA ABC employee pleads guilt on embezzling information regarding bourbon releases Bluegrass Bottling will construct a new 50,000 square foot bottling facility Bardstown Bourbon Co retires the Fusion series Castle & Key's new experience, Walk the Ruins Mini Spirits Bottles Are On The Chopping Block In Massachusetts And Rhode Island Makers Mark releases the barrel rotation wood finishing series O.H. Ingram announced the second-ever release of its Flagship Bourbon HIRSCH announces The Bivouac Kentucky Straight Bourbon Redwood Empire Whiskey announced the release of Batch No. 002 Woodford Reserve releases Honey Barrel Finish Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey Chicken Cock Whiskey will release 15 barrels of limited-release Private Cask Blade and Bow has re-released its highly sought-after 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Historic whiskey brand Fortuna Bourbon is set to re-enter the market The Last Drop announces Release No 28: The Last Drop Signature Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys @beamsuntory @jimbeamofficial @abc_va @blugrass_bottling @bardstownbourbonco @castleandkey @makersmark @ingramwhiskey @hirschwhiskey @woodfordreserve @redemptionwhiskey @chickencockwhiskey @bladeandbowwhiskey @fortunabourbon @lastdropdistillers @redwoodempirewhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

There are new investments made into multi-million dollar distilleries every week it seems. There are more brands and product extensions popping up everyday. Yet, there's a shortage of barrels that are putting a strain on existing production. But when all this evens out and everything gets produced as planned, are we going to see an overproduction and what could be the result? Russell's Reserve is coming out with their new limited edition Single Rickhouse line extension. Sure, it features barrels that are selected from the former Camp Nelson C, but does it warrant a price tag of $250? Lastly, we look at the announcement of Angel's Envy hiring Owen Martin to be their next Master Distiller. Angel's Envy hasn't had a Master Distiller since the passing of Lincoln Henderson in 2013 who co-founded the brand. Is this an attempt to fill a void that is missing after Wes Henderson announced his retirement? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about who might be the next Dave Pickerell. There are more brands and product extensions popping up every day. This is a side effect of the boom but what will happen when everything evens out, production goes as planned, and then we see an overproduction? Russell’s Reserve has debuted an all-new, annual limited-edition collection: Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse. However, the price tag is $250. Is this deserving of that premium price tag? Angel's Envy hasn't had a Master Distiller since the passing of Lincoln Henderson in 2013 who co-founded the brand. Is this an attempt to fill a void that is missing after Wes Henderson announced his retirement? @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Chicken Cock Island Rooster Rye. This non-age stated bourbon is 95 proof and $200 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 16th 2022. Angel's Envy announced that Owen Martin will be joining the company as Master Distiller. Independent Stave Company has agreed to purchase two stave mill facilities from Brown-Forman. Diageo has been granted an injunction to stop the sale of Redemption whiskey after it was found to dilute the Bulleit trademark.Show Notes: Four Roses Distillery has appointed Abby Martinie as its new national brand ambassador and mixologist Angel's Envy and the University of Louisville Athletic Association open the Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club Angel's Envy announced that Owen Martin will be joining the company as Master Distiller Independent Stave Company has agreed to purchase two stave mill facilities from Brown-Forman Diageo has been granted an injunction to stop the sale of Redemption whiskey after it was found to dilute the Bulleit trademark Jack Daniel’s and McLaren Racing announced today a multi-year partnership Lost Lantern announces their Fall 2022 collection Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. announces George Dickel Bottled in Bond Fall 2008, Aged 13 Years Kings County Distillery is releasing a new flagship blended bourbon Creek Water and American Rapper, Yelawolf, announce a limited edition 18-Year-Old Rye Whiskey called Sometimes Y Woodinville Whiskey will release its Special Limited Release Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon in 23 markets Log Still Distillery has released a new Tennessee whiskey product line called Rattle & Snap @fourrosesbourbon @angelsenvy @independentstavecompany @brownforman @bulleit @bulleitwhiskey @diageo @redemptionwhiskey @jackdaniels_us @lostlanternwhiskey @kingscountydistillery @creekwaterwhiskey @yelawolf @woodinvillewhiskeyco @logstilldistillery Support this podcast on Patreon

Whiskey is an amazing product. It's a testament of blending science and nature to create something that didn't exist naturally. And during that process from grain to bottle, you can manipulate a multitude of variables to create a brand new type of whiskey or some flavor nuance that hasn't been discovered. TX Whiskey is a growing brand and they have some strong pedigree of people working to shape their whiskey profile. We're joined by Ale Ochoa who is their whiskey scientist. She analyzes, studies, and makes suggestions on what to do with finished whiskey at TX but also has an influence during every step of the process. We talk about how she landed her dream job after college at TX what how she is learning about particular barrel placements in the warehouses and finishes. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks cocktail culture of the spirits industry Was there ever an influence of whiskey in your family? What was it about whiskey that made you focus your college studies on it? Did you choose the title of Whiskey Scientist? Have you had any discoveries or big takeaways with aging in Texas? Does the fermentation process have a different effect in Texas? Can you talk about the wood and cooperage you're using? How are you determining when to pull sample lots? Do you have a hypothesis of what will happen to barrels and oak aging in different locations? Why did you decided to get into the finished barrel category? So what barrel finishes did not work? Are you blending both of your warehouse locations together or keeping them separate? @txwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review O.K.I. Reserve Blended Bourbon Whiskey. This 3-10 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $80 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 9th 2022. Pursuit Spirits announces a thirteen-city road trip tour. Adam Herz, the whiskey investigator, found another faker based in Omaha. Bardstown Bourbon Co. will release another Collaborative Series with leading French Armagnac house Chateau de LaubadeShow Notes: Pursuit Spirits Announces a thirteen-city road trip tour St. Louis Bourbon Festival on October 21st 2022 The Nelson Distillery warehouse has been demolished in Louisville Wilderness Trail announces Barrel picks offered to Family Tree members New Riff Distilling extends distribution to DC, MD, and DE Speyside Bourbon Cooperage will opens its first Pennsylvania facility Adam Herz, the whiskey investigator, found another faker based in Omaha Nebraska Legislators tackle the bourbon barrel tax Filmland Spirits announces its world premiere Stoli Group releases the Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Wenzel Whiskey marks its debut Bardstown Bourbon Co. releases Chateau de Laubade Collaborative Series @pursuitspirits @stlbourbonsociety @wildernesstraildistillery @newriff @speysidecooperage @filmlandspirits @kentuckyowl @wenzel_whiskey @bardstownbourbonco Support this podcast on Patreon

Every few years there is a technology that will revolutionize society. I've personally grown up with the invention of social media when you had to have a university email address to sign up for facebook. Social media trends shift over time. Twitter came on strong by cramming as much information as possible into 140 characters, sharing images wasn't new but filters is what took Instagram to new heights. But now short form video with TikTok is the new craze. I've been a fan of this platform but I wanted to invite Logan and Mac Hanes of Basement Rickhouse on the show because they are one of my favorite bourbon TikTok accounts. There's no shortage of people doing whiskey reviews or top 10s on TikTok but Logan and Mac will speak to this audience because their key to success is story telling with bourbon history. We talk about their account and success but we also touch on why this is no longer a platform for dancing teenager, but it's time that brands need to start paying attention to TikTok. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about gift ideas What was your bourbon journey like that got you to this point? As a Buffalo Trace tour guide, how do you keep learning new information? How did you train yourself be on the tasting panel at Buffalo Trace? Why did you make TikTok your platform of choice? Why do we not see more brands try TikTok? What have you found that helps videos go a bit viral? Are you diving into more bourbon history to create your content? How often do distilleries ask you to not share a TikTok? @basementrickhouse Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frank August Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and $70 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 2nd 2022. Denny Potter and Jane Bowie both leave Maker's Mark at the same time. Blue Run Spirits will invest almost US$51 million into building a 35,000-square-foot distillery in Georgetown KY. Russell’s Reserve announces the debut of Russell’s Reserve Single RickhouseShow Notes: Modelo is celebrating college football fans by giving them the chance to win a $100,000 “salary” prize The global cannabis drinks market is set to grow by a value of $8.3 billion in 2032 The Frazier History Museum is launching an online bourbon subscription membership Denny Potter and Jane Bowie both leave Maker's Mark at the same time Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. announces the opening of their bourbon and cocktail tasting experience Brown-Forman Corporation reported financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2023 Buffalo Trace increases whiskey making at the distillery of 50 percent Blue Run Spirits will invest almost US$51 million into building a new distillery Whistlepig has launched its Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon The Louisville Orchestra, in partnership with Woodford Reserve, “A Spectacle for the Senses” is a full-orchestral concert Russell’s Reserve announces the debut of Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse @modelo @makersmark @dppotterjanetthomasbowie @freshbourbon @brownforman @jackdaniels_us @woodfordreserve @buffalotracedistillery @bluerunspirits @whistlepigwhiskey @russellsreservebourbon @louisvilleorchestra Support this podcast on Patreon

It's only been in the past 10 years that we have seen bourbon go through true innovation. Barrel finishes and blending different distillates weren't as common as they are now. Barrell Craft Spirits has been a pioneer in this space. In this episode we're joined by Will Schragis the Chief Product Innovation Officer for Barrel Craft Sprits. Will has been around since the beginning of Barrell and he tells how they approach innovating new products and the stories behind some of their most highly acclaimed and in-demand product extensions like Dovetail and Seagrass. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about blending subpar whiskey What were the early days like trying to establish the Barrell Bourbon brand? How do you deal with UPC code sprawl? What challenges do you experience with this business model of doing so many unique things? How do you scale Seagrass from a finishing standpoint? How do you determine what factors go into process innovation? Does constant customer education play a role with innovation? How can American whiskey move beyond blend being a dirty word? How can you be transparent when barrels need to be reconditioned? Do the micro-blends serve as a training ground for new products? Why has there not been a specifically toasted product yet? Can you explain why $500 gold label demanded the price? Was Stellum a way to introduce a lower price tag into the line? @barrellbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hardin’s Creek Colonel James B. Beam Whiskey. This 2 year old bourbon is 108 proof and $80 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for August 26th 2022. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit raises $1.4M. Freddie Noe has released the sixth chapter in his acclaimed Little Book Whiskey series, “To The Finish.” Four Roses Distillery has announced its 2022 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon.Show Notes: The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit raises $1.4M Woodford Reserve is creating a sensory experience at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, France The Macallan partners with luxury automotive Bentley Motors in new release Buffalo Trace Distillery announces the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Heritage Month Collection Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts are bringing back their 5th Annual Bourbon & Benevolence Tasting & Charity Auction Campari Group buys a 15% minority stake in Howler Head Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has been ranked among the top 1,000 companies honored on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list Louisville Bourbon Transit Co releases the fifth batch of Bedtime Bourbon Freddie Noe has released the sixth chapter in his acclaimed Little Book Whiskey series, “To The Finish.” Michter’s Distillery will release its US*1 Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt, believed to be ‘the world’s rarest Japanese whisky’, will be distributed worldwide Barrell Craft Spirits will introduce Barrell Vantage Four Roses to releases 16-year-old OESV barrels Four Roses Distillery has announced its 2022 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon @woodfordreserve @the_macallan @bentleymotors @buffalotracedistillery @buffalotrace @502kobbe @campariofficial @campariusa @howlerheadwhiskey @uncleanearest @beamgeneration8 @michterswhiskey @barrellbourbon @fourrosesbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon

It’s Bourbon Community Roundtable #71 where we are joined by the likes of all of our friends to talk about some hot topics in the recent bourbon news. Up first, we discuss lotteries vs lines. Now that Old Forester and Four Roses have announced they are no longer going to sell their limited birthday bourbon and small batch editions in the gift shop to local Kentuckians from people camping out, it has moved to a nationwide sweepstakes where anyone can enter. So, is this the beginning of the end for waiting in lines for bourbon? The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is inducting six new people. There is criteria to make it, but what criteria would we consider to be in our hall of fame? Lastly, we look at an old topic which is what is the cheapest bottle you need to own? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about whiskey for medicinal purposes Is Waiting in Line Dead? What's the criteria for the Bourbon Hall of Fame? What is the cheapest bottle worth having? @oldforester @fourrosesbourbon @kentuckybourbontrail @breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel’s Small Batch Coy Hill. This non-age stated whiskey is 153.2 proof and $55 MSRP (375mL). Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.

It's This Week in Bourbon for August 19th 2022. The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will induct six new individuals.King of Kentucky packs two new 15 and 18year old releases. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Allocation Goes Into A National SweepstakesShow Notes: Rally is selling 2,000 shares at $7 each for a six-bottle collection of Pappy Van Winkle Beam Suntory has double-digit net sales growth for the first half of 2022 Wigle Whiskey sells to the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates Hard Seltzer and RTD shares increase in 2022 from IWSR The Scottish government will review if the angels’ share has health and environmental impacts The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will induct six new individuals Ross & Squibb Distillery announce Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI Straight Bourbon Whiskey King of Kentucky packs two new 15 and 18 year old releases @rally @jdflicker @robbreport @beamsuntory @wiglewhiskey @brownforman @kentuckybourbontrail Support this podcast on Patreon

Some people will say we are currently experiencing a bourbon shortage. However, if you go to your local store you will see it's quite the opposite. There are walls of bourbon and with so many labels it's hard to know where everything comes from. To help dig through this topic I've invited Chad & Sara from It's Bourbon Night to join the show. We talk about how they met and how they've grown their YouTube channel into one of the premier places on the internet to get informative opinions on the latest whiskey releases as well as the favorite amongst many YouTubers, lists and top 10s. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about opening bottles prior to purchase for allocated bottles When did you start your YouTube channel? Do you remember your first video? Are there some videos that never get published? Have you figured out the formula to get the mosts views possible? How have you been able to combat the negative comments that come on the internet? Have you had to pivot on how you create content and find new audiences? Have you started to see an overcrowding of brands on the market? Is there such a thing as a "bad run" of MGP barrels? Will MGP still be the go-to source in 5 or 10 years? When production catches up, how do you determine who get space on the shelf? What will hurt the bourbon market the most? Are celebrity whiskey brands going to overcrowd the market? Will we start seeing labels begin to fail? @itsbourbonnight Support this podcast on Patreon

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Ben Holladay Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon. This 6 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $60 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!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.