Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky’s native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to p ...
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284: Exploring the Flavor of the Atlantic with Goslings Rum
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In this week’s podcast, Jake sits down with Alex Holmes, Director of Brand Development at Goslings, to talk about their unique Bermudan Rum and why it is a great alternative to bourbon. Listen as we unpack the history of this unique and ever-evolving brand. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’r…
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283: The Master Distiller of the Northwest's Largest & Oldest Distillery
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We are joined by Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller for Hood River Distillers and their portfolio of brands, including Clear Creek, McCarthy’s, and Trail’s End. Caitlin was recently appointed to the role of Master Distiller after many years with the company, a testament to her passion for the brands and distilling. We discuss their portfolio, incl…
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282: How to Build a Whiskey Empire with Truist Financial
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Jake sits down with Joseph Goode and Cody Matthews of Truist Financial to discuss the ways you can go about building your own liquid empire. There are many strategies that Truist deploys when helping a customer realize their dream of opening a distillery, creating a whiskey company, and procuring barrels. Sit back, grab a pen and paper, and pour up…
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281: The Diverse Whiskey Portfolio of Coors Spirits Co.
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Past guest, Mike Montgomery, re-joins Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey. Mike is the co-founder of Blue Run Spirits and previously appeared in Episode 115 and Episode 177 of Bourbon Lens. Mike is currently the Vice President of Spirits for the Molson Coors Beverage Company, which acquired Blue Run Spirits in mid-2023. Molson Coors is growing its spirits…
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280: The Evolution and Growth of Southern Distilling Co.
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We’re joined by Pete Barger, co-founder of Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. Pete discusses what led him to founding his distillery. We also explore the growth they’ve experienced, from sourcing whiskey to producing their own spirits, and even becoming one of the largest contract distillers you may have not heard of yet. T…
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279: A Toast to the Story of Blackwood Distilling Co.
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We sit down with our friend, Zach Johnston, of Blackwood Distilling Co. Zach is currently the Chief Business Officer of International Sales for Blackwood. We discuss Zach’s background in the spirits world, including his time writing for UPROXX and judging spirits competitions. Zach is tasked with growing Blackwood to the next level as they grow the…
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278: Visiting Limestone Branch Distillery's New Tasting Lodge
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Jake travels to Lebanon KY to visit Limestone Branch and see the new Stephen B. Beam Tasting Lodge. He’s joined by Master Distiller, Stephen Beam, and Stephen Fante, Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch. They discuss the new facility, the single barrel program, and growing the Yellowstone Whiskey brand. Don’t miss this episode. Stream this episode…
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277: The New Chapter in the History of Templeton Distillery
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Our guest today is Shane Fitzharris for Templeton Distillery in Iowa. Shane is the Senior VP for Commercial for Infinium Spirits, owner of the Templeton Distillery and brands. We discuss the next chapter in Templeton’s history as they recently released their first spirit distilled in-house; Fortitude Straight Iowa Bourbon. We discuss the history of…
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276: How Brown-Forman Focuses on Sustainability with a Global Spirits Portfolio
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Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability. With responsibility over the company’s diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas…
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275: Keeper’s Heart and the Bright Future of O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
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Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in Bourbon Lens Episode 153. Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys. Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master…
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274: What is Your "Special Occasion" Bourbon?
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Jake and Scott are talking about bourbons that are perfect for special occasions. As we head into Derby season here in the Bluegrass State and the upcoming Kentucky Derby 150, we couldn't help but think that it would be a perfect event to crack open some special bottles. We discuss some advice on finding a special bottle to celebrate an occasion, e…
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273: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey But With a Strong Age Statement
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Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey. These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year. How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt? Find out in today's episode! The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee W…
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272: Kyle Busch Competes with the 'Rebel Spirit' in NASCAR
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The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond. We discuss the partn…
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271: Aaron Harris is Stewarding Green River Distilling into the Future
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Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky. Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse. We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his…
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270: Cedar Ridge is a Hidden Gem Distillery in Iowa
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We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery. Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode. We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Doubl…
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269: A Look Inside the New “Whiskey House” with its Founders
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We’re on location at Whiskey House with two of its co-founders, David Mandell and John Hargrove. Located in Elizabethtown Kentucky, Whiskey House is heading into the final stages of construction and plans to be the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. We learn about their pla…
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268: Exploring the Story of North Carolina's Oaklore Distilling Co.
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Friends and co-Founders, Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan, join Bourbon Lens in this week’s podcast. We’re talking Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, NC. Tom and Matt started like most whiskey hobbyists do, with tasting nights in their basements and at their bars, but quickly developed their passion into a brand and now distillery. Located in North …
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267: Catching Up with Chattanooga Whiskey on their Growth and Success
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For the first time in 4 years, Chattanooga Whiskey founder Tim Piersant rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up with the guys. Chattanooga Whiskey is a homegrown company that makes a unique style of whiskey in Tennessee; they call it Tennessee High Malt. They focus on unique and malted grains for their Mashbills and release a lineup of solid whiskeys as t…
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266: Makers of Missouri Bourbon: Get to Know Holladay Distillery
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Our guest this week is Kyle Merklein, Master Distiller for Holladay Distillery. Based in Weston, Missouri, Holladay Distillery made a splash in the bourbon world when they released a 6 Year Botted in Bond Missouri Bourbon in 2022. Since that time, they’ve had several additional releases, including the highly acclaimed Soft Red Wheat Bourbon and Ric…
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265: Inside the World-Class Whiskey Bar at Watch Hill Proper
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Bourbon Lens visits Louisville’s premier whiskey bar and restaurant, Watch Hill Proper. Founders Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs sit down with Jake and Scott to discuss their journey to opening Watch Hill Proper. This is a true destination to see when visiting Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Find out why in today’s episode. Stream this episo…
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264: Filmland Spirits Returns for An Encore Appearance
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Troy Bolotnick is back for his encore appearance on Bourbon Lens to talk about Filmland Spirits. We discuss Filmland Spirits and their expanded lineup since his last visit, including the Extended Cut bottlings of Moonlight Mayhem and Ryes of the Robots. Extended Cut is the brand’s Cask Strength offering of their whiskies. Since his last appearance,…
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263: A Masterful Blend of Three Generations at Wild Turkey Distillery
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Jake travels to Lawrenceburg to sit down with Bruce Russell, the newly appointed Associate Blender for Wild Turkey and part of the famed Russell Family. During their conversation, Bruce discusses the legacy of the Russell Family, creating Generations with Jimmy and Eddie, and what’s on the horizon for Wild Turkey Distillery. Stream this episode on …
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262: Beverly Spirits and Their New Barrel Strength American Whiskey
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Our guest this week is Andrew Borenzweig, Founder of Beverly Spirits. Andrew joins Bourbon Lens to discuss the path that led him to build a luxury spirits brand, crafting the liquid with Master Blender Murphy Quint, and (of course) his portfolio of American Whiskey. We’ve previously reviewed Beverly High Rye, the brand's initial offering, but we we…
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261: Barrell Craft Spirits Built a Solid Foundation for New Facility
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Barrell Craft Spirits invited Bourbon Lens to their new Jeffersontown Kentucky blending facility to record this week’s episode of the podcast. We’re joined by Founder Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations. During the episode, we discuss the new facility, its impressive design, and how it was built from the ground up with…
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260: Highlighting the Happenings at High West Whiskey
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In the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Tara Lindley and Holly Booth of High West Whiskey. Tara and Holly play pivotal roles in helping consumers get to know High West by creating the whiskey and running the hospitality program. You don’t have to look very hard to see the stamp these women have placed on the Utah-base…
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259: 15 STARS is the Father-Son Team Racking Up Big Whiskey Awards
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Our guests this week are the Father-Son team at 15 STARS Fine Aged Spirits. Rick and Ricky Johnson join Bourbon Lens to talk whiskey and how they founded the company. The Johnsons are no stranger to the world of unique grains, given their background in growing heirloom corn varietals, including Baby Black Corn and red, white, and blue heritage corn…
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258: Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman
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Bourbon Lens visits the Willy Wonka Factory of Whiskey this week. We’re in Lawrenceburg Indiana for an amazing tour at the Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly known as MGPI) and an eye-opening podcast. Jake and Scott sit down with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman and Master Blender Sam Schmeltzer to discuss the distillery, its history and a little of w…
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257: Heather Greene on the Growth of Milam & Greene Whiskey
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We’re joined by Heather Greene, CEO and Master Blender for Milam & Greene Whiskey. Heather is an industry veteran with a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge. She is also a whiskey writer, author of Whisk(e)y Distilled, and understands many of the behind the scenes dynamics of the whiskey world. For her contributions to Milam & Greene, Heat…
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256: Whiskey Pairing with Goodfellas Pizza at Wiseguy Lounge
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Bourbon Lens visits the Wiseguy Lounge for a very unique episode. We’re joined by Chase Henry and Jeremiah Johnson with Goodfellas Pizza to discuss the origins of the pizza establishment and its speakeasy concept, Wiseguy Lounge. And, in a first for Jake and Scott, we explore pizza and whiskey pairings and how you can look to elevate your bourbon t…
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Hank Ingram rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up on all things O.H. Ingram. Hank last appeared on the show back in late 2020 in Episode 103 and has since relocated his entire operation; expanded distribution, and continues to get high praise for his portfolio of river aged whiskies. Find out what’s on the horizon for O.H. Ingram and Hank in this week’s…
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254: Exploring the Terroir and Provenance of Waterford Whisky
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Get ready to “nerd out” over whisky with our newest podcast featuring Waterford Whisky. Waterford is an Irish Single Malt with a Scottish passion. Mark Reynier, Founder of Waterford Whisky, and Jake discuss the importance of heirloom grains and terroir in whiskey-making. Waterford Whisky looks to create distinct and unique flavors in the single mal…
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253: Virginia Distillery Co. Distills with the Courage of its Convictions
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We’re joined by Virginia Distillery Company CEO, Gareth Moore. We discuss the role of VDC in the continued growth of American Single Malt as well as Gareth carrying forward his father’s legacy of making the finest single malts in America. And, of course, we walk through some VDC’s portfolio of American Single Malt. VDC is one of the leaders in the …
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252: Independent Bottlers and Their Important Role In American Whiskey
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This week, we are joined by the founders of Lost Lantern and American Mash & Grain to discuss independent bottlers in the American Whiskey landscape. We discuss the importance of the Independent Bottlers, some of the challenges they face, and the successes they’ve experienced in sourcing the nation’s top whiskies for their labels. We hope you enjoy…
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251: Veterans Day Salute to Service with Four Branches Bourbon
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We are saluting Veterans this week in our annual Salute To Service Veterans Day podcast. This year, we were privileged to be joined by Four Branches Bourbon and its four founders. Rick Franco (US Marine Corps), Mike Trott (US Air Force), Harold Underdown (US Navy), and RJ Casey (US Army) sat down with us just prior to their launch party back in Apr…
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250: Celebrating a Big Milestone with Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2023
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In a special episode for Bourbon Lens, we’re celebrating the milestone of 250 Episodes with a tasting of the new Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). A special thanks to the team at Buffalo Trace Distillery and Sazerac Company for allowing us this opportunity to taste this ultra limited, highly sought after whiskey collection. Jake and Scott ta…
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249: Exploring the Unique Whiskey Portfolio of Samson & Surrey
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Elayne Duff, Samson & Surrey’s Director of Brand Advocacy, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about their whiskey portfolio. Joining the company in May 2023, Duff brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the position and oversees advocacy team for Samson & Surrey’s diverse family of award-winning, premium craft spirits. The lineup spans from bar…
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248: Celebrating Old Fashioned Week with Elijah Craig and Friends
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In a first, Bourbon Lens podcast joins forces with its sibling podcast, Cocktails with Friends, on this week’s special episode to celebrate Old Fashioned Week. Old Fashioned Week is October 13-22, 2023. We’re joined by Lynn House with Heaven Hill to discuss the Old Fashioned Week campaign. We talk about tips for making the classic cocktail, Elijah …
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247: Barrel Global is Bringing Bourbon Ownership to Consumers
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Jake is joined by George Koutsakis to discuss his latest venture in spirits, Barrel Global. Barrel Global is a whiskey startup that has the goal of connecting spirits buyers with spirits makers. Barrel Global makes barrel ownership possible for first-time collectors by allowing the purchase of just one barrel, so you too can enjoy the experience an…
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246: Catching Up with Wally Dant at Log Still Distillery
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We’re back on the road and at Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky. We sit down with Founder, Wally Dant, to discuss all that has gone on at Log Still since we last visited over two years ago. This is a destination distillery for anyone who is going out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Log Still Distillery’s expansive campus (in addition to i…
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245: Jefferson's Bourbon Heads to the Tropics
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We are joined by the newest member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Trey Zoeller. Trey is the Founder of Jefferson’s Bourbon and is a return guest to the Bourbon Lens podcast. Trey previously joined us for Episode 72 and we were happy to catch up with him during Bourbon Heritage Month. In this episode, we discuss Jefferson’s latest innovation,…
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244: Michter's Distillery Bourbons with Master Whiskey-Makers
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We're exploring the bourbon lineup from our friends at Michter's Distillery. Andrea Wilson and Dan McKee re-join Bourbon Lens to help us celebrate our 5th Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month. Andrea is Michter's Master of Maturation as well as its Chief Operating Officer. As Michter's Master of Maturation, Andrea manages barrel specifications, b…
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243: Freddie Johnson on Why Buffalo Trace is One of America's Most Popular Distilleries
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We continue our 5 Year Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month celebration with a legend in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, Freddie Johnson from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We are thankful for everyone who has supported us over the last 5 years. The big…
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242: Five Year Anniversary Celebration Kick-Off with Heaven Hill Distillery
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We’re kicking off our month-long celebration of our 5 Year Anniversary and Bourbon Heritage Month with DSP-KY-1. That’s right, we travel to Heaven Hill’s “Bernheim” Distillery in Louisville to visit with Master Distiller, Conor O’Driscoll. It has been a long time coming to record with Heaven Hill Distillery and we couldn’t be happier to be on locat…
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241: The Evolution of Shortbarrel Whiskey
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Clinton Dugan, co-founder of Shortbarrel, joins Bourbon Lens to talk about Shortbarrel and their journey from barrel-picking group, to non-distilling producer, to distillery. This is a unique look at the evolution of a brand in the whiskey world. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We…
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240: Three Exciting New Bourbons from Heaven Hill Distillery
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Jake and Scott line up some of the newest releases from Heaven Hill Distillery including the Spring 2023 release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond, a 10 year wheated bourbon. We also get our first taste of the new Larceny Barrel Proof C923 and Square 6 Wheated Bourbon. This is a great teaser episode in our lead-up to our 5th Anniversary and Bourbon…
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239: Diageo Master Blender and Orphan Barrel's New 'Scarlet Shade' Rye
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We’re joined by Samantha Johnson, Master Blender for Diageo and their most recent Orphan Barrel Series release, Scarlet Shade Rye Whiskey. For those unfamiliar, Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. is a project to save nearly forgotten barrels of well-aged whiskey and share them with the world. We talk about this release as well as Samantha’s process for craf…
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Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Chef Julian Medina
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In the Season 2 finale of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens, Jake & Jake sit down with Chef Julian Medina. We’re closing out this Season with another chef, so you know Jake L. is smiling as we talk about food, education, and running multiple restaurants. Find some time like Chef, throw on your running shoes, and stream this episode as you take us for a w…
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238: The Past, Present, & Future of Smooth Ambler
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Our guests for this episode are Smooth Ambler Founder, John Little, and Travis Hammond, Site Director and current Head Distiller. This wide-ranging conversation is one of the most open discussions we’ve had with a distillery. We appreciated their openness and honesty as we discussed the evolution and future of Smooth Ambler. We hope you enjoy! Stre…
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Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Featuring Brand Founders
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In this episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Jake L. hosts alone as Jake I. slides into the interview seat along with the founders of the brands Eight Beer, Melati Drinks, Solento Organic Tequila, and Off Hours Bourbon. The roundtable comes together to share insights unique to startups in the beverage space. This conversation shows that it takes …
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Our guests this week are Jackie Zykan and Nate Winegar. Jackie and Nate have teamed up with Royce Neeley and Matt Danker to launch Hidden Barn Whiskey. The team has leveraged Jackie’s skills in blending some damn fine whiskies and we are so excited to talk with Jackie yet again on Bourbon Lens. We have a great time catching up with Nate and Jackie …
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