Bourbon Pursuit (Bourbon Pursuit)

One thing I love about what we do in this show is that we continue to explore new and interesting angles of the bourbon world. And one that always gets overlooked is the role of public relations. All major corporations have contracts with PR firms where it's their responsibility to get eyeballs on every new release, get butts in seats at events, and make some kind of commotion about their whiskey. To explore this topic, I've invited Dave Karrakur on the show. He's an industry veteran who has done PR his entire career at places like Sega and Campari but has now ventured off on his own with Raptor Communications. We talk about the stress that PR feels when it comes time to put out a new release, how to get it in front of the right audience and get words in articles like Forbes, and how do you response to a client when something just completely flops. Show Notes: 00:00-Introduction and the Role of PR in the Bourbon Industry 06:28-Exploring a New Angle: Public Relations in the Bourbon World 10:26-Guest's Background in PR and the Drinks Business 18:55-The Need for PR and Creating a Compelling Narrative 25:25-Navigating the Changing Media Landscape 31:39-Rising Above the Clutter: Detail and Engagement 32:35-Building Whiskey Brands through PR 34:02-Measuring the Impact of PR 35:00-The Value of Third-Party Endorsements 37:16-Building Relationships with Journalists and Influencers 39:32-Navigating Social Media Platforms for Whiskey Marketing 44:11-Distribution Challenges and On-Shelf Presence 46:04-Strategies for Sending Samples to Reviewers 48:55-Maintaining a Cadence of PR Activities 50:17-Dealing with Negative Reviews 55:03-The Complex and Stressful Nature of Whiskey PR Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Kass has done it all at Heaven Hill. Public relations, brand management, legal, and even more behind the scenes rolls over his 20 year career. Larry first made an appearance on the podcast back on episode 167. You're going to hear about growing some small family run operation managing a few brands turned into hundreds, how the infamous Rittenhouse Rye 21, 23, and 25 year bottling came into existence, the disappearance of Heaven Hill 6yr BIB, and the original partnership with the Kentucky Distillers Association before it was a real thing. This is a real piece of history and we wish Larry years of relaxation in his retirement. Show Notes: This week's Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Bourbon Geek Pricing Fred, tell us a little about Larry Let’s start at the beginning. Before coming into Heaven Hill did you have a fascination of spirits? We’re you doing the job of 45 people back then? Did you ever find a knack for brown and aged goods? Who really stood out for you? What was marketing like for whiskey back in 1998? Talk about the Rittenhouse Rye 21, 23, and 25 years What do you think of the secondary market? Do you all use it as market data? Is that why we saw the end to Heaven Hill 6yr Bottled In Bond? Give us a story about a writer that pissed you off over the years Do you think Heaven Hill has done a poor job at PR over the past few years to whiskey geeks? Who are the leakers? Fred has feelings of remorse about Elijah Craig 12 Take us through the days of high aged stuff like Martin Mills 24 year that were part of the export market. As a brand manager, how much influence do you have into the final product? You’re part of the original KDA partnership Can you leave bourbon? What’s the retirement plan? What's the proudest thing you accomplished in your career? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know when people say "I miss the good 'ol days"? Guthrie McKay is one of them. He has seen the bourbon renaissance flourish as he's been nestled in a small little liquor store in downtown Bardstown called Toddy's Liquors. Toddy's has almost become a stop on its own as people visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Listen as Guthrie tells stories of taking customers to visit Booker and Parker, his run in with Bill Thomas, and how the current boom has made him adapt business. Show Notes: Talk about the store. How did you get into the liquor business? Why didn't you name it after yourself? Talk about Bardstown 30 years ago and the bourbon scene and how it has changed Was there a premium brand back then? Did you have a hard time selling stuff like Booker's or Maker's Mark? Talk more about those early relationships with first entrants in the market? I'm sure you aren't sending people to the Beam's house any longer Is your store becoming another stop on the bourbon trail? What's your most annoying Pappy story? Talk about your history with Bill Thomas How do you deal with distributor games now? Are you looking forward to seeing Bardstown grow with reinvestments into infrastructure for keeping bourbon booming? How do you deal with shelf space on craft brands? Are you major buyers on the bourbon trail or everyday consumers? So you don't feel bad about pricing above secondary? Are gift shops taking away from your bottom line? What can big distilleries do to help support you? Can Bardstown support any more business? Are there enough people? You've talked about lot of gripes, but tell us what are some of the positives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky 18 Year. This 18 year old bourbon is 130.3 proof and $350 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for May 12th 2023. MGP and Luxco will acquire Penelope Bourbon for up to $215M, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof moves to variable age stated releases, and Mark Brown will step down as CEO and president of Sazerac in July.Show Notes: MGP and Luxco will acquire Penelope Bourbon for up to $215M B.R. Distilling Company now offers tours at the distillery Elijah Craig Barrel Proof moves to variable age stated releases Wenzel Whiskey has acquired assets and an inventory of aged spirits from Ghost Coast Distillery Mark Brown will step down as CEO and president of Sazerac in July Scientists Have Discovered the Perfect Amount of Water to Add to Your Whiskey HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys announces The Single Barrel Double Oak Chattanooga Whiskey announced Experimental Batch 031: Red, White and Blue Grist @penelopebourbon @bluenotebourbon @elijahcraig @wenzel_whiskeyhirschwhiskey @chattwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've taken a bit of a hiatus, but we're back and we've got two topics that are hot. A few months ago, Buffalo Trace announced there would be no George T. Stagg in the 2021 release of the Antique Collection. Many theories arose such as holding it back on purpose to create a media frenzy or potentially having a new brand come from it. However, Buffalo Trace has gone on record saying it didn't reach the standard they come to expect from it. We'll analyze this from both sides. In the second half of the show, we'll look at the sheer volume of brands that are built on MGP and how some have hype and some are still finding their way. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about bourbon advertising. BTAC was missing George T. Stagg this year, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think they are holding the bourbon back for another purpose? Does it feel like a PR stunt? What do you gain by going to the NY Times? Did any of the BTAC bottles not live up to the hype? Why do some MGP brands have more hype than others? How sustainable are the higher priced MGP bourbons? Is it hard to stay excited about MGP based brands? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. @bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know you've missed it, but the roundtable is back for another big show talking about spicy topics. The big news of Jackie Zykan leaving Old Forester made waves in the bourbon world. Is she a replaceable asset to Brown-Forman and what happens with the 117 series? King's County and the Irish Whiskey Association are in a battle over the use of "irish-style" whiskey on the label. Who should give an inch here? Would we be up in arms if someone outside the US used "bourbon-style" on their label? And there's always more sticker talk but this time we go over the use of copyright and trademarks on different distilleries bottles. Show Notes: Jackie Zykan is leaving Old Forester. What do we think will happen to the brand? Is she replaceable? King's County and the Irish Whiskey Association are in a battle. King's County created an "irish-style" whiskey and the IWA sent a cease and desist. What would we think if a distillery in Ireland created a "bourbon-style" whiskey and put that on the label? Stickers are going less than subtle now. In the case of copyright issues, should distilleries start caring more? @bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks. This non-age stated rye is 94 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon. This 5 year old bourbon comes in at 99 proof and a $45 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The roundtable welcomes Jackie James, of @JackieJames on IG and Creator of HerWhiskey.com, as a panelist this week. We talk with Tim Jones about his new show on the Discovery Channel, Moonshiners: Whiskey Business. We also discuss the new Jim Beam Legent and Weller Full Proof because who doesn't love a little bit of controversy? Show Notes: The week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Captain Kirk. Join Kenny and Ryan at The Louisville Bourbon Society meeting on 3/18. https://admin.associationsonline.com/secure/events_register.cfm What bottle got you into whiskey, Jackie? Tim Jones tells us about Discovery Channel's new show, Moonshiners: Whiskey Business. Does the show follow a formula? What is your primary role on the show? How do you help with marketing? What is important to getting the customer to pick up that first bottle? How can brands stand out on the shelf? Take us through the distiller selection process. Is the whiskey ready from these distilleries? Has it been aged long enough? Do you think Virginia will ever be able to compete with Kentucky? Did you have any input on pricing on the show? Jim Beam is releasing Legent, a collaboration between Fred Noe and Shinji Fukuyo. Does this new release excite you? What do you think of the price point? Do you look at this product as a marketing opportunity? What is your stance on blending? Do you think the Weller Full Proof line extension is going to be a good thing? Do you think Weller is listening to their fans by creating a full proof version? Let's talk about the EH Taylor Amaranth. Thanks to Bourbonr.com, BreakingBourbon.com, HerWhsikey.com, and TimJonesCreative.com for joining the roundtable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated rye is 115.2 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 12th 2024. A new bourbon documentary comes out today called Bourbon Blaze, Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing, and Templeton Whiskey Unveils their Templeton Straight Bourbon.Show Notes: Spec's had their massive drop. So camping is alive and well. Bourbon Blaze: The Night That Tested America’s Spirit Banks Festival demonstrates its commitment to community impact Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), has acquired US-based independent bottler Single Cask Nation Middle West Spirits has completed a new world-class distillery in Columbus, Ohio Rebel Bourbon has signed a sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing Traveller Whiskey Templeton Straight Bourbon @specs1962 @bourbononthebanks @singlecasknation @middlewestspirits @rebelbourbon @templetondistillery Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, we kicked off the series of analyzing Bourbon & Banter's article on "Is Bourbon Broken?" and this next installment looks at the secondary market. The prices of bourbon have been growing immensely and who knows if the prices will ever drop. Will there ever be an end in sight for consumers buying on the secondary or should companies adjust their prices accordingly? We tackle all this and more. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about mixing bourbon. Are people forced to buy special bottles on the secondary market these days? Is it foolish to buy bottles for so much more than retail? How can you deter bottle flipping? Is there anything distilleries can do to prevent flipping on the secondary market? At what point will we hit the price ceiling? Is it ethical for distillers to look at pricing on the secondary market to make business decisions? Are auctions setting the secondary prices of bottles? How do auctions get a pass unlike the secondary market? Are current pricing strategies fair to the consumer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111. This non-age stated bourbon is 111 proof and $45 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 7th 2022. Beverage Dynamics Gives 11 American Whiskey Trends To Watch in 2022. Tennessee ABC arrests someone for trying selling Pappy Van Winkle through a Facebook trade. WhistlePig launches a non-alcoholic whiskey called PiggyBack Devil’s Slide Show Notes: Beverage Dynamics' 11 American Whiskey Trends in 2022 Tennessee ABC arrests someone for trying selling Pappy Van Winkle through a Facebook trade Drizly’s non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ sales soar 290% in 2021 Dry January’ Is Coming, But Are Shoppers Really Shying Away? Bourbon Pursuit Discord members raised $6,200 to help wildfire support to those in Superior, CO Rev. Jim Sichko auctioned off an OFC 1995 and a basketball blessed by Pope Francis WhistlePig Whiskey has launched a limited-edition, non-alcoholic whiskey called PiggyBack Devil’s Slide OH Ingram announced the release of its fourth expression, Ingram River Aged Straight Bourbon Whiskey @tennesseeABC @whistlepigwhiskey @ingramwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The community did a pretty quick 180 in regards to treating people more fairly in facebook groups. We discuss how banning unopened bottles has settled the drama and also evaluate the definition of the new vintage spirits law that has passed in Kentucky. Taking a speculative look at the success and if it has the potential to go mainstream across the country. Lastly, we wrap it up talking about our favorite wheated bourbons of all time. Show Notes Blake are you going to be coming out with a whiskey inspired cookbook? It is now (as of Jan 1) legal in Kentucky for people to sell their vintage spirits to liquor stores (and bars), which can then sell them to the public. What are our speculations on what will happen? It looks like the flood gates have opened up again and eBay has seen a rise of bourbon being sold. Is this just eBay not paying attention? The Crown Royal Bourbon Mash Blended Canadian Whisky Your favorite wheated bourbon ever. Listen to all the Bourbon Community Roundtables. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Rutledge, Master Distiller at Four Roses, joins us for Part 1 of this 2-Part podcast and talks about his education, job history, his love for bowling, and how he brought Four Roses straight bourbon back to the US. Show Notes: What was your first experience with bourbon? What was your journey from different roles with Seagrams and your path into Four Roses? Who gave you the opportunity to get back into distillery operations? Blended Whiskey by Seagrams were top shelf at one time What impact did Kirin have on Four Roses since it was primarily an export only? How has the Four Roses brand grown since it’s been back in the US? What are you most excited for with the future of Four Roses? How are you planning for Four Roses future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bomberger's PFG. This non-age stated bourbon is 100.2 proof and $140 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackie Zykan, Master Bourbon Specialist for Old Forester, talks about each of the individual expressions and the history behind this Louisville based brand. Show Notes: We are coming to you from Rye On Market in Louisville Tell us your coming to age of tale of bourbon What is it about Old Forester that made you leave working behind the bar Is Old Forester the same thing as Woodford Reserve? What do you actually do as a Master Bourbon Specialist? The name “Brown” has a stigma and prominence in Louisville. Talk about George Garvin Brown? Where is the 2nd “R” in the name? How did Old Forester move from sourcing to distilling it’s own stuff? How did Old Forester survive prohibition? Brown-Forman owns it’s own cooperage and what does that mean to you? Talk about each of the Old Forester brands and what makes each unique compared to the next What was the market reaction for the Whiskey Row edition? Give the listeners some kind of idea behind Birthday Bourbon What can you tell us about 2016 Birthday Bourbon Give us some of the more well-known cocktails you make Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Traverse City Port Barrel Finish Bourbon. This 5 year old finished 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't run away from it... NFTs have now become the buzzword of 2022. Non-fungible tokens, or better known as NFTs was a prediction of mine at the end of 2021 but moreso looking into 2023. I didn't really think they would catch on this quickly and be adopted by so many in the whiskey industry. Now we are seeing the largest brands dip their toes into the water but do you understand what all this means? Zach Weakland is not only a brewer and a distiller but he's also been dabbling in crypto for a few years and now runs a site called LiquidCraft.io. We talk at the very lowest level about what is a NFT and how that relates to bottle sales and trading. And the biggest reason we can see as to why NFTs and bourbon make sense from an allocated bourbon perspective is that it may just legitimize the secondary market. We dive more into experience-based NFTs that are useful for distilleries and what could happen if this scales to tens or hundreds of thousands of bottles that go into a NFT marketplace. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks military vets entering the spirits world Talk first about how you get into the spirits space and then intro crypto Did you have a still in your backyard which is how you learned how to distill? What products do you offer and where are your distributed? Does wormwood actually make you hallucinate or is that fiction? Why did you want to start accepting crypto for your business? Explain at the most simple level, what is a NFT? Does it replace the dollar bill? If I own a NFT do I have the rights to sell it or can I sell it over and over again? How are you taking these NFT concepts and applying it to bourbon? If I buy a NFT that connects to a bottle how is it actually connected? Does the NFT follow the bottle? Can I still trade the NFT after the bottle has been consumed? Does this legitimize the secondary market? What happens if I own 1000 NFTs of bottles, when does this become a storage issue? What if I buy the NFT and I don't turn it in for 10 years? Then do you lose on storage fees? Can I create NFTs for existing bottles or collections? How can experiences be tied to bourbon-based NFTs? Could every bottle from every distillery be minted with a NFT? @craft_liquid Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky 2020. This 14 year old bourbon is 130.6 proof and $250 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting a distillery is no easy task and figuring out how to bank roll it is even harder. Do you tie up all your money into equipment and wait a few years and hope the whiskey is good or is it smarter to supplement that with some sourced product? But beyond that, how do you scale, distribute, and sell? Scott Schiller from Thoroughbred Spirits Group has launched 30 distillers, designed over 50 brands, and facilitated 3 successful exits. He joins the show to talk about everything I just mentioned, but Scott also has a fascinating family history with spirits where he learned how to distill with his grandfather at an iconic Chicago tavern called Bucket O Suds. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about QR codes. How did you get into this industry? What company did your family start in Chicago? What is Bucket O Suds? Tell us about the distillery. Talk about one of your early successes. How do you approach the conversations with clients about scaling? Do you see a lot of NDPs that previously bottled older whiskey and now can't get it? Are a lot of people starting to scramble because there isn't as much access to aged whiskey? How do you advise someone on distribution? Do you ever have to tell clients sourcing might not work for them? How do you start conversations with potential clients ? Talk about bottle pricing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all come from different backgrounds, yet we all find a passion in bourbon. One of the most intriguing stories I have ever been introduced to is from our guest today, Caroline Paulus. Her first love and her area of study is archeology. She had no idea that coming to Kentucky from Wisconsin on a dig would lead her into a new career in bourbon. She is fascinated with the history of whiskey and that has made her become one of the leading authorities when it comes to analyzing dusties. As the whiskey historian at Justin's House of Bourbon and senior editor for The Bourbon Review, she tells her story about falling into this line of work and some stories about running one of the best stores dedicated to bourbon in Kentucky. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about distilling presence during World War II Was whiskey ever a thing in your household or did you discover it later in life? Why do people from Wisconsin ruin an old fashioned? What was your original archeology digs in Kentucky focused on? How do you make the jump from being an archeologists to getting into bourbon? How are you now after losing your senses to COVID? Who taught you to get comfortable tasting whiskey? At what point do you become a whiskey historian? Have you been able to spot fake dusties? What's the most popular item sold at Justin's House of Bourbon? Can you try to hand sell me a dusty bourbon? @houseofbourbonlex @houseofbourbonky @houseofbourbonlou @bourbonreview @misswhiskeyhistorian Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Larrikin Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon. This 8 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Ryan and Kenny. Your hosts on this journey. They discuss everything about the show and more Show Notes: Welcome to the podcast! So what's this thing all about? Who are some of the guests in the queue for upcoming shows. How each of them got into bourbon, the history, and the culture. How to form a facebook hunting posse which has worked out well for us. Lastly, how do you throw a wrench into a bourbon tasting event? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Doc Holliday 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the World Whiskey Society. This 8 year old bourbon is 131 proof and $134 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blackened x Rabbit Hole Bourbon Finished in Calvados Casks. This non-age stated whiskey is 106.59 proof and $150 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You hear Ryan and I talk about RTDs or Ready To Drink canned cocktails on This Week in Bourbon all the time and here's the reason why. Most of us got our start into bourbon by mixing it with coke or ginger ale. The modern day drinker is finding their path through cocktails. And now that the seltzer craze has hit, getting your first taste of bourbon through a RTD can be the new gateway. There is one company based in Louisville that has been the go-to company for every drinks company across the country for creating flavored whiskeys, energy drinks, and even RTDs, and that's Flavorman. Brad Nichols and Jordan Plappert from Flavorman join the show as we get a deep-dive into how flavors are developed and how do we begin creating a bourbon-based RTD. It's a fascinating show about conception of ideas, how we can keep sugar volume in check, and how big your pocket book needs to be to get started. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about growing older and your senses. How did you progress into the drinks business? What's the general overview of Flavorman? How do you create or discover new flavors? Where do you start when creating a spirit-based RTD? What does conception look like for a bourbon-based RTD? What difference goes into creating a RTD vs a flavored whiskey? Can explain the difference in the type of can used based on the metal or material? Why are whiskey based RTDs higher in alcohol versus seltzer based? Is malt based cheaper versus spirit based? How do you reduce sugar volume for those that are health conscious? How do you choose a product that is ready to pour in a bottle versus in a can? How do you stabilize an ingredient so it doesn't separate and the shelf life? What can you offer to customers to get products on shelves sooner? What's the initial cost to just start the conversation? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do we have in common with Bob Dylan? Not much except that we enjoy the whiskey brand he's aligned himself with. We're not getting Bob on the show but we wanted to talk to someone who really knows their portfolio and that's going to be Adam Edwards, the National Brand Ambassador for Heaven's Door Whiskey. From the outset, Adam brings humor to his role, setting the tone about his journey from wine aficionado to bourbon ambassador. He shares his development in the spirits industry, beginning in Louisville before making pivotal moves at Trader Joe's and Rabbit Hole Distillery. Adam dives into the origins of Heaven's Door and where music legend Bob Dylan intertwines, detailing its strategic direction, including how they’ve navigated pricing and product offerings to stay competitive. Show Notes: Adam's journey from wine to bourbon and its cultural significance in Kentucky. Career highlights from Kroger to Trader Joe's and Rabbit Hole Distillery. Overview of Heaven's Door Whiskey, its ties to Bob Dylan, and future plans. The dual role of a brand ambassador in sales and consumer education. Personal reflections on alcohol consumption and responsibility in the spirits industry. Insights into the sustainable practices behind Heaven’s Door and their evolving rye offerings. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 15th 2023. Kentucky Owl gets a new Master Blender, Pursuit Spirits is unveiling the Pursuit United Private Select (PUPS) program, and more bourbon releases than you can handle.Show Notes: Southern Distilling Company partnership agreement with the Carolina Panthers The Supreme Court of New York has denied Diageo’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Maureen Robinson has taken over blending duties from John Rhea for Kentucky Owl The Speed Art Museum unveiled a stunning lineup for its Art of Bourbon Pursuit Spirits is unveiling the Pursuit United Private Select (PUPS) program Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey Buzzard’s Roost 6 - Year Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Copper & Kings Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Lost Lantern Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection 2XO American Oak and The Tribute Blend Joe Montana announced a new partnership with The Gold Bar Spirits Company Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Single Batch Series: Batch 033: Triple Peat Hardin’s Creek Boston Blue Run Spirits Reflection II Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series Barrell Craft Spirits' 10th Anniversary Bourbon Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series finished in Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels @southerndistilling @kentuckyowl @speedartmuseum @pursuitspirits @jackdaniels_us @buzzardsroostwhiskey @bladeandbowwhiskey @copperandkings @lostlanternwhiskey @2xowhiskey @joemontana @goldbarwhiskey @chattwhiskey @bluerunspirits @barrellbourbon @bardstownbourbonco @gooseisland Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Part 1) Bernie Lubbers (@BernieLubbers), The Whiskey Professor and Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill, talks about his past, catchphrase, and overview of bourbon badges in Part 1. Show Notes Talk to us about how you first got into whiskey. You signature catchphrase or tagline is “Stay Bonded”. Tell the folks what you mean by that. http://www.whiskeyprof.com Bernie talks about the history of Bottled-in-bond Bernie talks about words on labels and how those are badges You do a lot of bourbon-related research. Is there something you’ve found that has fascinated you? Bernie talks about flavor profiles and how they are attained through distillation, aging, and yeast. How each distillery does something different. What’s the day in the life of Bernie for being a Brand Ambassador? Give us a 101 level rundown of why a bar needs three different labels of the same stuff. Stay Tuned for the next episode where we talk about the removal of the Elijah Craig age statement, dive into the individual brands, and also a solo guitar performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review 15 STARS Three Kings Whiskey. This 11 year old whiskey is 107 proof and $180 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Elvis Tiger Man Whiskey from Grain and Barrel Spirits. This 2.5 year old whiskey is 90 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Filibuster Single Estate. This 2 year 5 month old bourbon is 117.6 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Knittel, Bourbon Educator at Distilled-Living.com and a certified Stave & Thief Society Executive Bourbon Steward, kicks off "back to basics" month by giving an in-depth Bourbon 101 and 201 level knowledge bomb. You will learn something new, guaranteed or your money back! Show Notes: let's start from the top. What is bourbon? How's it made? What goes into it? What's the average proof coming off the distillate? Some people say that limestone water is a big reason why Kentucky bourbon taste better. Is that true or can I get the same effect out of a garden hose? Is anything stopping someone outside of America from making a bourbon or it just can't be called that? What advice do you give people of the first bottles to buy that give you a variable taste range? So people like us who think we know everything, what's a common misperception or falsification we tend to fall for? What’s the most common question you get asked at your tastings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be an influencer? Actually, what's the deal with bourbon and Instagram and why is it so popular? We're joined by Eric Kim of @scotchandtime and James Ashcraft of @bourbonenthusiast to analyze these questions and many more. It's a great insight into how social media and whiskey join forces to provide hours of entertainment, but also some annoyances. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about independent liquor stores. Are you a thrill seeker or do you enjoy relaxing? How did you start and grow your Instagram account? When did you get your first media sample? Do you see more brands using Instagram influencers? Do you think Instagram has a good ROI for brands? Why do people love day themed Instagram posts? How often do you post and when? Have you seen an influx of new bourbon content creators and is there enough room for everyone? How much time to you put into your Instagram account? What do you think of accounts who pay for followers? What do you think of people only posting pictures of sealed bottles? Talk about your whiskey reviews. What really is an influencer? What good things have come out of Instagram for you? Follow @scotchandtime and @bourbonenthusiast on Instagram. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 8th 2023. A $1M bottle of bourbon goes up for auction, Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company has announced a multi-million-dollar distillery, and Pursuit Spirits unleashes batch 8CD.Show Notes: Wenzel Whiskey joins the The Kentucky Distillers’ Association A $1M bottle of bourbon goes up for auction from Frigg N’ Digg N’ Antiques in Bowling Green Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company has announced a multi-million-dollar distillery project Holy City Brewing and Lewis Barbecue are partnering up to host the first annual MashFest Exposing counterfeit techniques using Top Swaps Filmland Spirits announces Town at the End of Tomorrow and Ryes of the Robots Extended Cut Barrell Craft Spirits launches a gift box containing 100ml samples of its core Barrell products Pursuit Spirits releases batch 8CD @wenzel_whiskey @lawrenceburgbourbon @holycitybrewing @filmlandspirits @barrellbourbon @pursuitspirits Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Pickerell is well known in the bourbon world, he was former master distiller at Maker’s Mark and owns a consulting business, Oak View Spirits, where he has designed equipment, systems and processes for about 100 distilleries worldwide including WhistlePig, Hillrock, Corsair, and many others. This episode dives into to the distilleries themselves, the pricing behind Boss Hog, and questions we would want to know from a master distiller like grain sourcing. Show Notes: As usual, lets start from the beginning. Do you remember your introduction into whiskey or bourbon? Did you think chemical engineering would lead to spirits? First off, do you get tired of talking about your past at Makers? Do you think Maker’s put you on the map? Do people still ask you to sign Maker’s stuff? It seems that consulting is becoming a pretty big business because there’s the likes of you, Jim Rutledge, Nancy Fraley, Greg Metze, and the list goes on. Is there that much demand? Are you training new distillers? Do they get off track? Master distillers today are seen is high regards as a big marketing tool and the face of the brand relies on that one person. However, you’re wearing the badge of many distilleries at one time. Are you asked to go to places to talk about a specific brand? Do you play favorites? You’re still heavily involved with WhistlePig still, correct? Talk about the brand a bit because it’s one we typically don’t talk about on the show. It’s just sourced MGPi, right? So what are you doing that’s adding a bit of pizzazz to it? Tell me, what’s up with the pricing on Boss Hog? What sort of magic are you doing that makes a $500 bottle of whiskey? You are working with craft distilleries every day, what’s the biggest challenge you see facing them? Are you trying to produce the same product at all these places? Because when I think about it you could just have the Dave Pickerall SKUs where you say here’s your 3 options, choose one and we will put everything in that bucket Whats your theory on sourcing grains? Are chewing on them? Or after distillation? Discuss year to year variation of crops affect on flavors. Discuss how sourcing grains from different parts of the world makes a difference in the finished product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chad Butters, Co-Founder and CEO of Eight Oaks Craft Distillery, and Vince Roth, Managing Partner of Final Furlong Racing Stables, talks about a new partnership to invest in a horse and get bottles of bourbon in return Show Notes: Tell us a little about yourselves Talk about the offering to invest in a horse and get bourbon in exchange Talk about the horses Talk about the distillery and what makes it unique How much longer until the bourbon will be ready? Follow @GoFinalFurlong and @eightoaksdist on twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's nothing better than getting a fan of the show back on the program... but that fan also happens to be a master distiller at one of the most recognizable names in the kentucky distilling industry. Danny Kahn join us once again to talk about a few topics that we're all interested in hearing about. We cover the 1792 barrel program, then we take a hard left turn talking about yeast for a bit, so if you love the science behind bourbon, make sure to pay attention. and we end up going through a tasting and talking about the 2022 release of Thomas S Moore, the brand Danny is in charge of releasing every year using extra aged barrel finishes. And when we say extra aged, we're not talking aged for 6 months in an additional cask, we're talking years! Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks taking a break from bourbon for a couple months How many barrels are allocated to the 1792 barrel program? How many barrels are going towards private label partners? If you can't meet demand, how much more do you need to produce? Are you still using the same yeast from the 60's? Is it intentional to pick a yeast based on the flavor it will produce? What is the percentage impact of yeast on flavor? Tell us a bit of history of Thomas S Moore? Where in the ricks are these barrels resting? What kind of sherry casks were you using in this release? What barrels are next? @barton1792 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 21st 2022. Old Forester announced that Melissa Rift has been named Master Taster. New Riff debuts two new malted whiskeys. Blue Run announces  a biannual series of “micro batch” whiskeys.Show Notes: Fred Minnick To Host Blind Bourbon Live In Washington D.C. For The Uso On November 10 Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery unveils the Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Cap-Toe Batch III boot Old Forester announces Melissa Rift has been named Brand Ambassador/Master Taster Arcane Distilling introduces its second flagship whiskey, Arcane Imperial New Riff debuts the Maltster T50 Crystal Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Aroostook Malted Rye Whiskey Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon The Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2022 release Alberta Premium announces the Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye Blue Run Flight Series is a six-whiskey micro batch collection Chicken Cock Whiskey has released Chicken Cock Chanticleer Ross & Squibb releases Remus Gatsby Reserve Old Dominick launches Straight Tennessee Whiskey Wyoming Whiskey announces 1872 9-year-old straight bourbon whiskey Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve Arby's and BrainBrew announce Arby’s Smoked Bourbon @fredminnick @theuso @wolverine @oldforester @newriff @michterswhiskey @garrisonbros @albertadistillers @bluerunspirits @chickencockwhiskey @olddominick @wyomingwhiskey @drpepper @arbys @brainbrewwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chuck Cowdery, Bourbon Author and media pundit, joins to talk about Jim Beam backpedaling its way out of Booker’s price increase and the unique purchases Sazerac is making to expand their footprint. Show Notes: Talk about how you got into bourbon in the beginning Give the listeners a quick background on your books The Booker's thing is on everyone's mind and you had a article calling their actions dumb and embarrassing Sazerac has purchased the Popcorn Sutton, a building in downtown New Orleans and more recently. Possibly attributed due to the success of Fireball. What’s on the horizon for them? Chuck on Facebook http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to put all your money on the line, ignore the experts, fight the law, and spend years experimenting with different mash bills and barrels? That’s what Tim Piersant, CEO, and Grant McCracken, Head Distiller, of Chattanooga Whiskey did. Against all odds, they launched a bourbon that features Tennessee High Malt. We talk about the early successes and challenges of the business and get into the whiskey itself. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about SRPs. What kind of music do you like? Tell us about your background. How did you get into whiskey? Do you have a favorite kind of beer? When did it become legal to distill in Chattanooga? Tell us about the early days of the business. How did you fund the business? How did you decide what kind of whiskey you wanted to make? Talk about the experimental distillery. Why did you decide to use malt? How did you know it would have future potential? How did you recreate the process to scale up? How did you know when it was ready to be released? Tell us about your entry and distillation proof. Talk about the high proof version. What can we expect to see in the future? Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's our follow up from last week's ask me anything episode from PursuitPalooza 2024. This is part 2 that was during a live recording where audience members could ask us anything they want. Show Notes: 00:00-Introduction to Bourbon Pursuit and AMA 06:26-The Evolution of Bourbon Ingredients 12:30-The Impact of GMO and Organic Practices 17:40-The Role of NDAs in the Bourbon Industry 28:18-Developing Sensory Skills in Tasting Bourbon 33:36-Whiskey and Memory: The Art of Tasting 37:47-The Future of Distilling: Growth and Expansion 42:56-Jiu-Jitsu Journey: Health and Personal Growth 46:59-Market Trends: The Bourbon Boom and Its Sustainability 54:30-Navigating Regulations: The Challenges of Distribution Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon #2. This 10 year old bourbon is 144.5 proof and $100 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blanton's Straight from the Barrel Bourbon. It's non-age stated, barrel strength, and import only. Let us know what you think. Cheers! DISCLAIMER: This whiskey in this review was purchased by Bourbon Pursuit for reviewing. 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

Most of us scoff at celebrity whiskey because let's be honest, most celebrities don't care as much about the product as they do sales. But on a past whiskey quickie we reviewed Whiskey JYPSI and that one changed our mind. It wasn't until we started diving into it that we discovered Ari Sussman. He's a whiskey maker for many brands like Whiskey JYPSI, Three Chord, and Mammoth Distilling, but his history with spirits will fascinate you. He's truly a student of the art where he spent years overseas bartending, discovered vintage cocktail books, and was an integral part of the first ever university distilling program at Michigan State. We talk to Ari about his past and then dive into the Whiskey JYPSI brand and how Eric Church and himself are trying to change the face of celebrity booze. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about finding better bourbon in the Netherlands. How did you get to this point in your career? What old school cocktails and liqueurs fascinated you? Were you trying to use the University of Michigan distilling program to innovate new things? Can you talk about blending 50ml bottles? What brands did you help build? Why would a company want to ghost blend? How did you get hooked up with Whiskey JYPSI? Why is this celebrity brand different than others? How have you added in Canadian whiskey and light whiskey into a blend? What do you feel is more innovative in world whiskey that's not happening in American whiskey? Why are you trying to be different in this celebrity world? Why JYPSI? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 16th 2024. Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brands are back at it in court, MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve has released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression Woodford Reserve Batch Proof.Show Notes: Woodford Reserve teams up with Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemb for fashion Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brand are back at it in court Staghorn has named Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bulleit American Single Malt High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Chattanooga Whiskey Barrel Finishing Series: White Port Cask Finished Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop @woodfordreserve @bulleit @redemptionwhiskey @chattwhiskey @drdre @snoopdogg Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Run Spirits Golden Rye. This non-age stated rye is 95 proof and $100 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard us talk about shipping bourbon on the show before? Of course you have. Heck, I know I sound like a broken record as we try to become more stewards for reform in this space by talking about it almost every week. But this time you get to hear from an Expert. Alex Koral is the Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, a pioneer in the space of alcohol beverage delivery and making sure companies stay compliant since every state is different. We ask why wine gets a lot more slack than spirits when it comes to shipping and what is keeping that back. We also get his opinion on the supreme court rulings over the past few years as it relates to the commerce clause and why change is so reluctant and slow. As you can guess, there's a lot of red tape and lobbyists involved but the good news is that we are seeing incremental positive change. And Alex gives us a few tips on what we can all do to make change happen at our local level. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about how long a bourbon can last in a small jar How did you get into the world of spirits shipping? Was the three tier system implemented after prohibition? What is working in the current three-tier model that should be kept? What does SOVOS and ShipCompliant do for producers? Why does wine get a pass when it comes to these laws? What percentage of sales does a winery do with direct to consumer? Why do distributors and wine industry players not want to have spirit shipping equality? Do you find it interesting that conservative states that want an open and free market like TX and TN but still hang on to these archaic ideas? Are states that don't want shipping getting lobbied too much? Why didn't the TN Supreme Court case have a wider and quicker effect for domestic shipping? How disruptive could Amazon be to all this? How are these law proposals being presented to decision makers? Is the law of mandating selling through a distributor stifling growth? @shipcompliant Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much influence does the barrel have on the whiskey you drink? If you talk to a lot of people in the industry you will get a rough estimate of 70% or more flavor gets extracted from the barrel. We've had a few coopers on the show to talk about process, and even today's guest was back on Episode 346. We were so amazed at some of his research we wanted him to come back on the show to talk about more mind blowing stave science. Andrew Wiehebrink is the Director of Spirits Research and Innovation for Independent Stave Company. That means he leads up all the cool advancements on where barrel trends are heading. We talk about the current barrel shortage and if toasted products are the reason to blame, where the future of oak alternatives are heading, and why there is a trend of distilleries moving tog Char 1 vs Char 4. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about warming up your palate. Can you give us a refreshed on how you got into whiskey? How is ISC looking at the current barrel shortage crisis? Is wood growth a problem in getting new barrels? Is there a labor shortage in cooperages? How much has toasted barrels lead to a barrel shortage? Can you explain the seasoning process once again and how that effects the overall flavor? Are you all experimenting with oak alternatives? Why does French Oak have more peaks and valleys for the maturation process? Maker's really pioneered the custom staves but is anyone else doing anything to that level? Why is there a trend of moving towards Char 1 vs Char 4? Does your research show an optimal time of the year to pull barrels? Is there a trend of using smoked barrels? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have our favorite people and brands we follow on social media. I hope it's Bourbon Pursuit, but there are a lot of people that get categorized as influencers on every platform like Instagram and TikTok but every brand also needs to be on social media. Since alcohol is a heavily regulated product, there are ton of rules in place to keep the industry compliant. And for the most part, many are breaking these rules on a daily basis and could potentially face legal action from government bodies like the FTC. To help get us all more educated on the subject, we're joined by Nichole Shustack who's the Counsel at McDermott Will & Emery law firm. I ask Nichole a bunch of questions about the things I see on social media everyday when it comes to influencers getting free bottles, disclosing brand connections, bourbon charity raffles, and the legal implications that follow. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about wine for the american whiskey drinker How did you get into the legal space with alcohol? Do you scroll through TikTok and say "that's not compliant!"? Are there government regulations involved with social media and alcohol promotion? How are brands breaking the rules of social media promotion without knowing? If a bottle was sent to an influencer, can an influencer or brand get fined from the FTC without disclosing it? Who is going to come after influencers if they don't disclose their relationships or free bottles? What is the maturity level or different social media platforms? Does a whiskey influencer need to be cautious about having children, pets, or Santa Claus in their posts? Is it legal for influencers or companies to give away alcohol as a part of a promotion to gain followers? What are the legal implications for people that hold bourbon charity raffles? @mcdermott_law Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in five 60 second reviews. The collection includes: Sazerac Rye 18 Year, Eagle Rare 17 Year, George T. Stagg, Thomas H. Handy, and William Larue Weller. Each bottle has a suggested retail price of $99. Which is going to be our favorite this year? Watch and find out. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bourbon landscape has evolved dramatically over the past century, shaped by changing tastes, technologies, and regulations. In the 1970s and 80s, barrel proof options were limited due to higher taxes on high-proof spirits. Bourbon trends have ebbed and flowed, with favorites like maple finishes and honey cask maturation rising and falling in popularity. As innovation marches on, questions remain about what's next. Ryan, Fred, and myself discuss the nuanced offerings like cigar blends and amburana barrel-aged bourbons and if they will be fleeting fads or establish themselves as mainstays and if rye whiskeys and light whiskies already peaked in popularity. While some trends fade fast, broader consumer excitement for bourbons finished in unique barrels suggests the underlying whiskey geek curiosity for new flavors won't disappear anytime soon. However, core classic bourbon may regain flourish with consumers. With so many aging experiments underway, it's impossible to predict exactly how tastes will evolve. But one thing is clear - the bourbon landscape will continue its dynamic change. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the same bottle of bourbon tasting different. Why wasn't there barrel proof options in the 70's and 80s? Was bourbon taxed differently in the past? Were there bourbon trends back in the 40s and 50s? What does the lifecycle look like for finished whiskeys? Will the honey cask finish trend continue? Will whiskey geeks go back to drinking normal bourbon or is the everyday bourbon dead? When do trends become mainstays? What will happen to cigar blends? Will Amburana barrels experience a quick death? Will maple finish continue to be used? Will American Single Malt have a long life? Have we seen the end of light whiskey? Has rye whiskey peaked? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Woodinville Founder's Find Bourbon. This 12 year old bourbon is 107 proof and $130 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video is the hot new way to share. Social media platforms are way different now that TikTok turned it all upside down. I've always been fascinated with one creator that has great camera work but also good taste and thats Tyler Zoller from Louisville Bourbon Buzz. We explore his journey from portrait photography to bourbon-focused content creation. Since launching his Instagram in 2015, Tyler has navigated the challenges of bourbon photography, blending high-quality images with short-form video trends that go absolutely viral. Tyler shares insights on building client relationships, emphasizing authenticity over flashy marketing, and we also dive into another passion of his which is exploring abandoned places. He also reveals ambitious plans for YouTube to create longer, community-focused content that deepens engagement with his followers. Show Notes: Where did the name Louisville Bourbon Buzz come from? How did you originally get into photography before bourbon? What unique challenges does bourbon photography present? What was the turning point for your content strategy? How does Tyler handle client relationships and build his business? What’s the backstory behind his fascination with abandoned places? How does the dynamic of creating content for various platforms differ? What are Tyler's plans for YouTube and long-form content? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review King of Kentucky. This 16 year old bourbon is 125.8 proof and $300 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 21st 2024. Hard Truth adds Moonshiner’s Experience, Heaven's Door wants to know what's better Kentucky or Tennessee Bourbon?, Maker's Mark announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series.Show Notes: Hard Truth adds Moonshiner’s Experience Heaven's Door wants to know what's better Kentucky or Tennessee Bourbon? Penelope re-releases their Rose cask Silverbelly Whiskey Batch #4 entitled I'd Love You All Over Again Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Straight American Whiskey Maker's Mark announced the latest in its Wood Finishing Series @hardtruthspirits @heavensdoorwhiskey @penelopebourbon @silverbellywhiskey @russellsreservebourbon @wyomningwhiskey @makersmark Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wyoming Whiskey Outryder (2024). This non-age stated whiskey is 100 proof and $85 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to geek out? Like super bourbon geek out? Dr. Tom Collins has dedicated part of his career to the details of different spirits and wine. His studies looking at the chemical composition of bourbon as well as the chemical influence from barrels is what intrigued us. We examine, at a scientific level, what char levels create different compounds and reactions, how entry proof affects these compounds, and how bourbon and rye are different in their molecular makeup. Like I said, get ready to geek out! Show Notes: New EU Tariffs: https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2020-01-04/trump-wine-tariffs and https://qz.com/1779258/a-us-wine-tariff-on-the-eu-isnt-great-for-california/ Scotland ankle monitoring: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5128975/scottish-criminals-alcohol-ankle-tags/ This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about turning your hobby into a career. What is viticulture and enology? How did you choose this profession? Tell us about your research. What compounds are you looking for from toasted barrels? Are there times where a toasted barrel provides a certain flavor profile in the lab, but not in the real world? Is it hard to get consistency from the barrel? What was the outcome of your research? How do you get a buttery taste out of a barrel? Can you tell different whiskies apart chemically? What are the different compounds in rye vs. bourbon? Do bourbons have more differentiation compounds than ryes? How does each compound contribute to the bourbon? What kind of budget did you get to buy the bottles for research? Where do the fruity notes come from in bourbon? What are your thoughts on barrel entry proof? Do you think you could look at dusty bourbons from the 60's or 70's and see differences compared today? What's a big takeaway from your research? What happens when a whiskey is aged in a wine cask? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blackened Cask Strength. This non-age stated whiskey is 110.7 proof and $55 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester 150th Anniversary Batch #1. This non-age stated bourbon is 125.6 proof and $150 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye. This non-age stated rye is 137.3 proof and $65 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Judge, Global Ambassador for Bulleit Bourbon, dives into the Bulleit Bourbon origination and all the new expansion taking place. Show Notes: Tell us about your journey into whiskey Why did you choose Bulleit as your spirit of choice in the portfolio? What lessons did you take away from Tom after meeting him? We’ve had plenty of ambassadors on the show that talk about going around to different places and telling bartenders about their bourbon or attending events and handing out cocktails. but you’re a “global” ambassador, what more does that entail? You also have passion outside of spirits, talk about that For those folks who are unfamiliar, which I think would be pretty hard to do at this point, tell people about Bulleit bourbon. Also let’s talk individually about the different expressions that are available. and what makes each unique or special. sort of the pitch that you would do during a tasting event. Bulliet Bourbon has the tagline that says “Frontier Whiskey”. The thing of it is, you would probably never want to drink Frontier Whiskey And marketing plays a heavy role in the label positioning as well, talk about that. Bulleit is now owned by Diageo and is hypothesized to be distilled by Four Roses. However, mistake me if I’m wrong, I believe that the agreement or contract with Four Roses is going to be coming to an end and distillation is going to be moving to the Bulleit Frontier experience at the acclaimed Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Do you see a change in the flavor profile coming as new operations come online? We had Carol Perry back on the show back in episode 23 and you had the opportunity to meet with him. What did you think? Back to you, a lot of people here in the states are starting their own bourbon and whiskey collections, trying to round up as many as they can for the fun of tasting and even for potential profit, do you have a big collection yourself? This is a question from Blake @ bourbonr.com - if you want to make some classic bourbon cocktails, what are some of the ingredients you should always have on hand? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us have a passion for bourbon but I'm not sure we think to ourselves, "I want to run my own liquor store." Our guest today took that leap. Luke Castle makes his return to the show but not to talk about being a bourbon enthusiast but to talk about his new endeavor taking ownership of Ace Spirits, it's a retail shop in Minnesota who you may have heard about from a prior guest when we talked about moving volume with shipping. Luke puts it out there for those wanting to learn about the business and answers the questions many of us want to know as bourbon consumers such as distributors, barrel picks, allocation, and figuring out what determines a best customer. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about XYZ You were back on Episode 166, but tell folks how you got into bourbon. What made you want to leap into the business after being an enthusiast? What did you want to change to make it your version of Ace Spirits? What's the currently landscape for direct to consumer in Minnesota? What would direct to consumer mean to you as a retailer if it opened up or shut down completely? Are you starting to see the decrease of allocated barrel picks happen? What are the new brands people are getting excited about? Do you prefer a small or large distributer to buy from? Do distributors and brand reps just show up randomly to try and push stuff? What do you find the most challenging aspect of owning a liquor store that you didn't know about? What is your method for selling allocated bourbon? Are you figuring out your best customers through a rewards program? What is your method for growth to find new customers? @acespirits Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the last roundtable of 2020 and we discuss the hits and misses with 2020 bourbon releases. Most of the time we're in agreement, but every once in a while there is one that tears the group apart. And Fred goes deep on some interesting history with entry barrel proof and wheated bourbons. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about light whiskey. Bourbon Charity Raffle: https://charity.bourbonpursuit.com/christmascharity2020 What did you buy on Black Friday? Repeal Day Expo: https://repealdayexpo.com/ 2020 Release Hits and Misses Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blackened x Willett Straight Rye Finished in Madeira Casks. This non-age stated rye is 109.6 proof and $140 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. 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

He might be the angriest man in bourbon and ruffles a lot of feathers along the way, but he's been enjoying the spirit longer than most of us. Bourbon Truth, or known as Lloyd Christmas on twitter, is well known for his jabs at the industry. In this episode, we talk about his disdain for shelf trophies, if the current market is overinflated, his opinion on how spirit awards are rigged, and even touch on apple brandy. He's back with another no non-sense episode about the harsh reality we often overlook. Show Notes: Also appeared on Episode 094 How has bourbon changed since we last talked? How dumb are people getting that they are buying partial bottles? What are your thoughts on WhistlePig and their pricing strategy? What bottles are collectibles for you? You said that you hate people that buy bottles as investments but it actually worked out for you. Do you think you sold your collection too early? Are prices just at the top ? Are unicorns going to go up? What are some of those bottles you would sell already open? You mentioned KY Owl and it's pricing, do you see that as a long term investment for that particular brand after their Stoli funding? Why do you think people feel the need to sell half-open bottles? You had a funny tweet that said "Reviewers have so many different ways of saying 'the booze sucks'" The Whiskey Advocate changed their whiskey review system with their original score and panel score so it's flawed. Are those spirit awards just BS now? Because the most favorited spirits don't enter anymore Is the problem that they are sending single barrels or limited expressions most people won't have access to? What do you see as the movement of craft? Are bad ones ruining the reputation for the majority of them? Are you jumping on the rum train too? We haven't heard people talk about brandy much How bad has Van Winkle quality gone down in recent years? Allocations are becoming very scandalous   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this 56th Bourbon Community Roundtable, we discuss what it means to Kentucky Owl now that Dixon Dedman is leaving the brand, what does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation, and now that there are 10 million barrels aging in Kentucky, will we see an oncoming glut of bourbon in a few years? Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the color of whiskey. Dixon Dedman leaves KY Owl. What does that mean for the brand? What does Indiana Rye Whiskey mean as a new legal designation? Now that there are 10M barrels aging in KY, will we see a glut of bourbon in a few years? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled In Bond. This 4 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $50 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers! Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com. 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

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wheel Horse Bourbon. This 2 year old bourbon is 101 proof and $32 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we finally see the re-emergence of Ed Bley. Ed has been a previous guest on the podcast that was from way back in 2018. So if you just started listening to Bourbon Pursuit, then you probably have no idea of the impact Ed had on the bourbon world during that time. Ed went into hiding and went on a mission to bring some new whiskey to the world and he's now back presenting his new line called Old Stubborn. We talk about his background in blending and the journey he took from working at Cork N Bottle, picking barrels, and being a big influence in the larger bourbon community to losing hope on building a distillery and then quickly pivoting to find whiskey that wasn't available on the open market. This is one of the most anticipated interviews for many of you long-time listeners so enjoy this episode with Ed Bley. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about sustainability and new oak barrels. What is your background and what were you doing on the retail side? How often do you reject barrels during a barrel selection? Can you give some background on Old Baldy? Why would you want to leave a comfortable position to do your own thing? Why would you want to start a distillery versus sourcing barrels? How did you search for whiskey to use? Why did you call the whiskey Old Stubborn? Is there a reason why you put the word "old" on your bottles? Can you talk about how you ended up on the bottle? What went into this first release? How did the conversations start to acquire your whiskey stocks? Is this high price a sustainable business model? What does your product strategy look like? What is your plan for distribution and expansion? Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Part 3 on our series of "Is Bourbon Broken?" as we analyze the multi-part blog series from Bourbon & Banter. This episode is one that many have been waiting for as we evaluate the variable that is completely out of our control as a consumer and that's distribution and retail. We've challenged this system multiple times and I'm not sure if we'll ever figure out the correct answer, but how do we make sure it's always working in favor of the consumer? How should distributors reward stores differently? What does the future of commerce look like? And should distributors and retailers be wary of the digital age? Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about celebrity whiskey. Each state has its own laws on distribution, is this presenting a lot of challenges for the industry? How do you reward stores without making them take on a bunch of inventory in order to get allocated items? Do you feel that wholesalers and elected representatives are working for the benefit of the consumers? Do you think that it's fair that retailers own the product and can charge whatever they want? At the end of the day, everyone is still making their margin so why do retailers choose to mark it up? Why don't more retailers push back on distributors? Should distributors and retailers be scared about the future? Should we move to a system where highly desirable releases only happen through a distillery website?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hemingway Rye Signature Edition. This non-age stated rye is 102 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kris Comstock, the Bourbon Marketing Director at Buffalo Trace, talks about how he made his way to Kentucky and gives us insight into the brands and even the new 2015 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (sorry about the horrible audio on this one). Show Notes: Firenado/Bourbonado Tell us your bourbon story What led you to Buffalo Trace? What do you do in your current role? Give everyone a bit of insight on how you do forecasting for production? Since you are in charge of packaging let's talk a bit about some of the labels we see today. Can you talk a bit about some of them and perhaps some backstory. Maybe even give the listeners an understanding why Buffalo Trace is even called Buffalo Trace? Now I know Blantons has the collector series of caps. Am I right? You’ve also had a hand in developing some of the other brands like EH Taylor, Experimental, Stagg Jr and Single Oak. talk about each one of those a little bit and the roles you played The Antique collection was just announced. Talk to us about it a bit Follow Kris on twitter at @BUFFALOCOMSTOCK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review BBC Collaborative Series Amrut Barrel Finished Whiskey. This 8-14 year old whiskey is 110 proof and $160 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth McCall, Sensory Scientist and Master Taster, Brown-Forman, joins the show to share what happens behind the white curtain and how people with a psychologist degree are recruited into bourbon. Show Notes: Talk about your past, growing up and your education What got you into brown spirits Did you have family influences or connections to the spirits industry? So I have to be honest, we have done the rounds with Master Distillers and they always give credit to people like you, but lets get an idea of your day to day responsibilities What else happens in the lab? we need to give our listeners an idea of what’s happening behind the curtain so-to-speak So why psychologists for being sensory scientists? go deeper there What’s the most important sense when it comes to making a product consistent? What does catching a cold have on the influence of the bourbon your doing that day? or do you have an addiction to Afrin nasal decongestant? What sort of training goes into becoming a master taster? From Matt Fisher on Facebook: Super nerdy and specific. With most bourbon drinkers using Glencairn glasses at home, why does the distillery use Copita Nosing glasses vs the Glencairn? Looking for an expert opinion of why they use the Copita. I watched part of your presentation of change and you gave a good explanation of why people mix their bourbon with coke, explain that Talk about your other passion of horses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Still Austin The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey. This 2 year old rye is 99.6 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for July 21st 2023. Buzzard’s Roost wants you to name their new still, MGP Ingredients will close its GNS distillery in Kansas, and Green River will release its first publicly available Green River Full Proof Single Barrel.Show Notes: Buzzard’s Roost wants you to name their new still Wu-Tang Clan's RZA has partnered with Scotch whisky Ballantine’s Chivas Brothers has made its carbon-reducing technology available to everyone Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced Southern Kentucky Distillery as the newest member MGP Ingredients will close its GNS distillery in Kansas Tennessee Attorney General filed a lawsuit against six online liquor stores accused of illegally selling booze from out-of-state Marvel uses Pappy 23 in it's latest series and fans are chasing after it 291 Colorado Whiskey announces the release of 291 Colorado Whiskey Batch 12 15 STARS expands its whiskey portfolio with the limited release of Platinum expression Lux Row Distillers introduces Lux Row Four Grain Double Single Barrel Bourbon Old Forester announces the newest release in its 117 series – Bottled in Bond Uncle Nearest will begin distribution of its Single Barrel Whiskey and kickoff Single Barrel Showdown: America's Choice Green River Distilling Co. will release Green River Full Proof Single Barrel Log Still Distillery announces the second release of Fifth District Series Heaven's Door announces the addition of “Ascension” Kentucky Straight Bourbon @buzzardsroostwhiskey @wutangclan @rza @ballantines @chivasbrothersscotch @marvel @distillery291 @15starsbourbon @luxrowdistillers @oldforester @unclenearest @greenriverdistilling @logstilldistillery @heavensdoorwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A jam packed episode. The first half is focused on the the largest Facebook group known for buying, selling, and trading bourbon and it’s encounter with Facebook staff about rule changes. We cover the news and share the information as it’s presented. In the second half of the show, we are joined by Marianne Eaves as she discusses her departure from Castle & Key and what’s on the horizon for her next adventure. This episode has a little bit of everything. Oh yeah, and a teaser about marijuana with bourbon which you can look forward to hearing more next week. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Bottled-In-Bond and Bernie Lubbers. The Next Phase of the Bourbon Secondary Market. Facebook is cracking down. What will be the next iteration of the secondary market? When did you get the news and how did you feel about it? Will this start more segmented smaller groups? Are there any other platforms where the secondary market could exist? How does one have bourbon as a hobby and ensure that he or she is not becoming an alcoholic in the process? Are Sober Bars going to become a thing? What's new with Marianne Eaves? What was the response from other companies to you leaving Castle and Key? Are you interested in other spirits? Have you been trained in other spirits? What's your favorite style of gin? What's next for you? What do you all think about marijuana infused bourbon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Riber, author of bourbonr.com, talks about the popularity of his blog, his ideas and the release of a brand new app! Show Notes: How did you get into bourbon and how did it lead to the blog? You have almost two websites. The Blog and My Whiskey Cabinet. Where does inspiration for content come from? What are the most popular articles? Where did poor man's pappy spawn from? What does your current collection look like? There is a brand new bourbonr.com app coming to the market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, White Dog Trading became the newest member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. This is the first time a bourbon broker that helps clients source whiskey has become a member. How does White Dog benefit from joining and vice-versa? Union strikes are not uncommon in bourbon. We've seen them happen plenty of times over the past few decades. We will touch on the latest strike to hit the bourbon market. We wrap up the show by talking about who is doing the best at bourbon marketing. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about forests and barrels. Above the Char Link on White Oak Regeneration: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2020/05/12/white-oak-regeneration-in-canopy-gaps/ White Dog joins the KDA making it the first broker to join. What are your thoughts on brokers joining the KDA? Are there any downsides? Heaven Hill union goes on strike. What impacts do unions have on the bourbon industry? Who's the best at bourbon marketing? Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fred Minnick, Bourbon Author, Pundit, and Expert, joins us to discuss the San Francisco Spirits Competition, asking if bourbon is just a gimmick when it comes to experimentation, how the new vintage spirits law will effect Louisville, and if pricing has gone out of whack! Show Notes: So what’s new since the last time we chatted? What are you doing for the Bourbon and Beyond Festival? I hear there is a Bourbon Cruise? You’re also going to be at Forecastle Let’s talk about the new Dusty law So lets talk about San Francisco. Lets talk about the upsets. Who doesn't get a golden medal or a star? Is bourbon turning into a gimmick for releases? Can we stop it with the experimentation? At what point does it go to far? Pricing is out of whack. How do we as consumers fix this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Little Book Chapter 7: In Retrospect Whiskey. This non-age stated whiskey is 118.1 proof and $150 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Bourbon Community Roundtable #67 and this time it's all about limited editions. New records are being set for bottles at auction and many of us are thinking twice about opening up bottles. Red Hook went for $47k. The 5L bottle of OFC 1982 went for $60k. With so many LTEs, how do you determine what will make a bottle valuable in the future? Our friends over at Breaking Bourbon had a good email last week that talked about holiday bottles. Kentucky Owl recently released their St. Patrick's Day expression, Barrell Bourbon has New Year, Smokewagon has done a halloween, and Maker's Mark has one for almost everything. Are these gimmicks or are holiday bottles here to stay? Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about glassware and books. How do you determine what will make a bottle valuable in the future? Are holiday bottles a gimmick or are they here to stay? @bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 3rd 2022. The TTB proposes removing all standard bottle sizes for spirits, A new Guinness Book of World Records has been set for the largest bottle of whisky ever sold, J. Rieger & Co. recently released its first bottled-in-bond straight bourbon whiskey.Show Notes: TTB proposes removing all standard bottle sizes for spirits Frazier Museum in downtown Louisville is bringing back Michter's Speakeasy New Guinness Book of World Records has been set for the largest bottle of whisky ever sold - The Intrepid Tarnished Truth launched new barrel pick experience Mashed "The Simple Hack That Will Take Cheap Bourbon To The Next Level" Next Century Spirits has launched Bear Fight American Single Malt Whiskey Victor George Spirits launches Fort Mosé 1738 Chattanooga Whiskey releases their Bottled in Bond Vintage Series: Spring 2018 Vintage J. Rieger & Co. releases its first bottled-in-bond straight bourbon whiskey @frazierhistorymuseum @usmacallan @the_macallan @tarnishedtruth @mashedfood @thisismashed @nextcenturyspirits @vgvodka @chattwhiskey @jriegerco Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kerry Bossak (@bourbon_gamer), author of Subourbia.com, talks about how bourbon helps him lose weight and goes over his top 10 list of the most annoying trends in the bourbon world. Show Notes: Special guest co-host Blake from bourbonr.com shares his favorite release of the past few months. How did you get into bourbon? Also talk about your blog Then we dive into the Top 10 most annoying trends in the bourbon world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was never intended to be a two-parter. Once I sat down with our guest, I couldn't bring myself to hit the stop button because I wanted to keep hearing the stories she had to tell. Kathleen DiBenedetto is the Sr. Director, Premium Seed Brands but has had a near 30 year career span at Beam Suntory. And one of her first jobs was working alongside Booker Noe. She traveled the country with Booker and learned what it took to market and find audiences for this premium uncut and unfiltered small batch whiskey. She helped the brands of Booker's, Knob Creek, and Bakers grow from its infant stage, this is before Booker's even had a box, to what we all see today. Kathleen shares her fondest memories of working with Booker and the Noe family and how that set her down a path to be inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame and also have her own Booker's Batch named after her. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the current whiskey shortage. You've spent 30 years at Beam. What did you do when you first came into the company? How did the interview process go with Booker Noe? How did you build on-site tastings with consumers? Booker didn't like fancy packaging but do you find it weird now that Basil Hayden is upscale packaging? Do you remember what time the Booker's box was introduced? Where was Baker's fitting into the portfolio at this time? Can you recall the price points and how you competed with clear spirits? What was Booker's first impression of Blanton's? Were you there when Booker's began introducing different batch numbers? @jimbeamofficial @knobcreek @knobcreekbourbon Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Campbell Brown, President and Managing Director of Old Forester is back on the show. If you've been a long time listener, you may have remembered him back on Episode 98. As the President of Old Forester, he oversees a lot of the brands momentum and strategy. We get his take on bourbon tariffs with international expansion along with his hope for future movie partnerships. Anyone interested in a business background, you're going to find this one entertaining. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about Marianne Eaves. Talk about the Brown influence on our city because you've got the Brown Hotel, The Brown Theatre, the Hot Brown, etc. Is there pressure to keep the Brown tradition going? How did you work your way up at Brown-Forman? What got you into the Old Forester category? Talk about the building and distillery. What about the fire in 2014? What chapter are we in right now in Old Forester history? Let’s talk about international markets and tariffs. What was the international growth plans for Old Forester prior to all the tariffs? Did they change or are they staying the same? Where do you see the Old Forester brand? What are you doing to elevate the Old Forester brand into a premium category? Talk about your team and what goes into the bottle. Do you take a Bill Samuels approach about not interfering with what goes in the bottle? Is there a brand rivalry in the company? Do you have to fight Woodford for barrels? Will you ever have 100% of production here? What impact did the Kingsman movie have on Old Forester business? Do you have a strategy to do more than Statemans? If you could do a movie tie in, which movie past or present would you do? How far down the gene pool are you to George Garvin Brown? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. This non-age stated bourbon is 112.2 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charbay is changing things up. To be a Master Distiller in the Karakasevic family, you must meet or exceed your predecessors ability. Marko decided to try to make whiskey with a brewer’s key ingredient, hops! However, some folks in the whiskey world don’t think it should classify as one. This podcast digs into his history and what types of beer styles can turn into delicious whiskey. Show Notes: The week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. How did your family get started in this business? Did you have a choice to not be a distiller? What's an eau de vie? Do you clog the still up with hops? Is there a breakdown of grains you use in your beer? Have you done any experiments with other beers? Why do you age in stainless? What is the formula approval process like with TTB? How many styles are you going to do? What is your go to beer style? What is your response to people who say Charbay isn't a true whiskey? What do you have aging now? What justifies the high price point for you releases? Any business growth plans? Where does the name Charbay come from? Where are you distributed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky. This non-age stated bourbon is 93 proof and $55 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I read a meme one time that as soon as a man enters his 30s, there are two hobbies he picks up. It's whiskey and smoking meats. Well, I'm guilty for it and I know Ryan and Fred are too. There's nothing better than starting the fire in your grill and preparing for the long night ahead making sure your brisket is done. I know when I started cooking on my grill, I went to the resource where you go to learn everything on internet and that's YouTube. Immediately, I was hooked on the channel called How To BBQ Right. I learned the 10 different ways to cook ribs, game day burgers, and even a delicious pot roast from our guest today, Malcom Reed. Malcom has made a name for himself in the BBQ competition circuit and has turned it into one of the largest BBQ places on the internet. You can find him on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and more talking how to BBQ crazy good meals. Malcom joins us to talk not only about BBQ, Wagyu steaks, dry rub vs sauce, but he's also a big bourbon fan and you can catch him drinking Buffalo Trace or EH Taylor frequently on his channels. Don't forget to to subscribe to his podcast called, you guessed it, How to BBQ Right. Show Partners: Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more. Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com. You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now. Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com. Savor every drop of summer at Total Wine & More! You’re sure to find cool prices in-store or online at TotalWine.com. Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about working for distributors. How did your passion for BBQ grow into a business? How did you get into BBQ competitions? Are there rivalries in the BBQ community? Were you nervous when you first started putting out content? How did you get into bourbon? What bourbon pairs well with specific meats? Do you prefer dry rub or sauce? Do you ever get tired of cooking at home and prefer to go out? Are Costco prime steaks as good as other butcher shops? What do you think about wagyu beef? What is your favorite way to cook tomahawk steaks? What do you think about health organizations encouraging society to eat less meat? You are stranded on an island and can only pick one cooking apparatus, what do you choose? How do you chose what grill to use? What do you think about Blackstone griddles? What BBQ pit is your go to? Do you like to turbo cook or low and slow? Is using a pellet grill cheating? What's your go to bourbon cocktail? @howtobbqright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, you asked for another episode talking cocktails and that’s what you get. On this episode, we talk to Nic Christiansen who runs the single barrel program at Barrell Craft Spirits, but is also a nationally recognized bartender and cocktail competition champion. She talks about the variety of cocktails and how it’s really about swapping out simple ingredients to create endless possibilities. From a classic Old Fashioned or Mint Julep to creating your own bitters, this episode will have you wanting to create something unique of your own. Show Notes: This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick talks about bourbon heritage month. What was your favorite tv show growing up as a kid? Tell us about your background. What made you decide to get into cocktails? What bad habits did you learn when you first started making cocktails? What is involved with being a beverage director? How do you train bartenders? How did you remember all those cocktails? How do you make bitters? How do you build a cocktail from an economic perspective? What is your Old Fashioned recipe? What is a Brown Derby? What kind of ice do you prefer? What do you think about the growing mixology culture? Do you ever enter competitions? What is your go to vermouth? Rye vs. Bourbon in cocktails? What are your thoughts on Rum cocktails? How frustrated do you get when a place can't make a good cocktail? Do you prefer different cocktails for different seasons? Talk about using a raw egg in a New York Sour. Where did you get the inspiration for your New York Sour? Any upcoming cocktail trends? What do you do on a daily basis? Does your palate differ from Tripp and Joe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Buzzard's Roost Toasted Barrel Rye. This 3 year old rye is 105 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. Support this Podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices