Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of WhistlePig and now Bhakta Farms, has left the world of rye whiskey and entered into the world of rare Armagnac brandy. Raj just introduced BHAKTA 50, a marriage of Argmanac’s he discovered with Vintages from 1868 - 1970. And he’s gone a step further and finished it in Islay casks. A complex spirit that is ideal for the curious whiskey lover. Sweet and smoky but not overly so, this finishing process for 50+ year old Armagnac is unlike anything else. Raj had us all...
Oct 12, 2020•46 min
Maryland Style Rye Whiskey is the topic today. We explore a handful of rye whiskies from Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore Maryland. We're joined by Brian Treacy to talk about what makes Sagamore Spirit unique, their core lineup, and some exciting limited release rye whiskies. Sagamore Spirit jump started their brand sourcing some of the wildly popular "MGP Rye" from Indiana's largest distillery, but they are excited to move to their own distillate in the very near future. We enjoyed each of the whis...
Oct 05, 2020•47 min
Jake and Scott are at it again with another Bourbon Heritage Month episode. This time, we dive into the world of Bourbon Hunting and the madness created every Fall surrounding "Bourbon Hunting Season." Jake and Scott discuss their different perceptions of bourbon hunting and seeking out the rare and expensive bottles that pop up around this time every year. We also discuss some of this year's highly anticipated whiskey releases. Join us and let us know what your thoughts are on Bourbon Hunting S...
Sep 28, 2020•42 min
Jake and Scott taste through two heavy-hitting Bottled in Bond Bourbon releases; Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Old and Wild Turkey Master's Keep 17 Year Bottled in Bond. While both are limited releases, we discuss how they stack up against each other and in the bourbon world. Each has their own highlights, high price points, and we both had to pick a winner after a side-by-side tasting. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider ...
Sep 21, 2020•37 min
We’re continuing National Bourbon Heritage Month with a relatively new Kentucky distillery. This week, it’s New Riff Distillery, which claims to put "A New Riff on an Old Tradition". We are joined by Jay Erisman, vice-president of strategic development and co-founder of the distillery in Newport, Kentucky. We discuss the meaning of “New Riff”, the brand’s focus on bottled in bond whiskey, and what makes New Riff different. We also dive into some of the more technical distillation, fermentation, ...
Sep 14, 2020•1 hr 9 min
Jake and Scott are finally back on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This time, we stop in Lebanon Kentucky at Limestone Branch Distillery, producers of the famed Yellowstone Bourbon. We sit down with Steve Beam and share the full lineup of Limestone Branch whiskies. Steve Beam is in the Beam Family Tree, which has had their hands in the bourbon of nearly every major distillery in Kentucky. In addition to some Beam family history, we also discuss the Dant Family of Bourbon. We also touch on the histor...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 9 min
Just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month, we are exploring a first for us, bourbon barrel aged wine. We may be familiar with wine barrel-finished bourbons, but what about the other way around? Josh Cellars recently introduced their Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon which was matured in Redemption Bourbon barrels for two months. We shared some whiskey and wine with the Founder of Josh Cellars. We’re joined by Joseph Carr, Founder of Josh Cellars, to talk whiskey and wine. The...
Aug 31, 2020•49 min
We're joined by Marianne Eaves to discuss her career in the whiskey world and her aspirations for the future. Marianne is currently the Master Blender behind Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon. We were lucky enough to taste through Batch #1 with Marianne and learn her process behind selecting whiskey for blending and for single barrel selections. About Marianne Eaves: She's no stranger to the spirits industry or creating and growing one-of-a-kind premium spirits, Marianne will forever hold a place ...
Aug 24, 2020•47 min
MGP is well known in the bourbon and whiskey world, though there is a bit of mystery behind the historic Lawrenceburg Indiana distillery. We're joined by MGP Master Blender, David Whitmer, to explore the history of MGP, King of The Bootleggers George Remus, and MGP's core lineup of whiskies. We taste through two offerings of Rossville Union Rye, George Remus Bourbon, and a very special limited release of Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon. Are these MGP's best kept secrets? August is National Rye Mont...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min
We’re exploring whiskey on ice. Hockey Hall of Famer, Ed Belfour, has launched his own whiskey brand and we had the opportunity to sample two of their whiskies. We were honored to have the opportunity to interview 1999 Stanley Cup Champion, Eddie the Eagle. During this week’s podcast we discuss: Ed’s Canadian roots, his love for Canadian Rye Whisky, and these being the inspiration behind Belfour Spirits How Ed’s hands on approach to hockey has bled into the whiskey craft. Ed has studied whiskey,...
Aug 10, 2020•43 min
Were you sad to see Yippie Ki-Yay bid farewell from the High West lineup? We sit down with High West Whiskey Production Manager, Isaac Winter, to understand the decision behind this classic bottle leaving the line up and what the brand has in store next! We discussed the full lineup of High West Whiskey and point out some of our favorites. High West calls Utah home and Isaac convinced Jake and Michael that they need to move to Park City during this week's episode. Scott was off on vacation, so y...
Aug 03, 2020•47 min
Four Gate Whiskey Company recently released Batch 6 and 7 of their whiskey series and were nice enough to send us some samples to check out. Batch 6 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Cognac and Rum Casks and Batch 7 is their first release of a Rye Whiskey. If you haven't already listened to Episode 58 , be sure to check out that podcast interview with the brand owners, Bill Straub and Bob D'Antoni. Let us know what you think of Four Gate by sending us a note on social media and leaving ...
Jul 27, 2020•30 min
On this week’s episode we sit down with High Wire Distilling owner and founder, Scott Blackwell, to discuss their unique ways for distilling some fine whiskey and Jimmy Red Corn. Scott comes from a culinary background. After selling his bakery to General Mills, Scott and his wife pursued their dream of starting a craft distillery located in Charleston, SC. Scott wanted to bring his culinary experience to distillation by focusing on the ingredients to make a unique whiskey and experience. Let us ...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 16 min
There's no question that twice-barreled bourbons are becoming more popular. However, a large majority these of bourbons are being finished in used barrels which previously contained wine, rum, or brandy. Some, such as the two bourbons we are discussing today are finished in a second, virgin charred oak barrel. We discuss the ever-popular Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and compare it to a bourbon from growing, innovative craft distillery. That is Starlight Distillery and their Carl T. Huber’s Indi...
Jul 13, 2020•24 min
He’s the ultimate Wild Turkey fan and he’s just released a new book on the history of Wild Turkey. You may know David Jennings better as “Rare Bird 101”. He joins us on this week’s episode to “talk Turkey”. Wild Turkey’s history is unique and full of rich family traditions. This is all detailed in the new book, American Spirit: Wild Turkey Bourbon from Ripy to Russell. We enjoyed the book and recommend any bourbon love to pick up the book at https://wildturkeybook.com/ ; you’ll develop a new app...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 13 min
A true whiskey lifestyle brand. We are joined by Aston LaFon, Co-Founder of 18.21 Man Made , to discuss the whiskey lifestyle and his men's grooming company. How do men's products fit into a whiskey lifestyle? Their brand was inspired by the bootlegging of Prohibition and customizing grooming products to fill a void in the market. The 18.21 Man Made namesake is an homage to the 18th Amendment which implemented Prohibition and was later repealed by the 21st Amendment. This is a Texas based busine...
Jun 29, 2020•50 min
American Single Malt Whiskey is on the rise and Wanderback Whiskey is right in the middle and playing a unique role. Phil Downer, Founder of Wanderback Whiskey, joins the Bourbon Lens to discuss the growing market category and what inspired him to create his unique brand. Wanderback produces hand-crafted, limited edition American single malt whiskeys in Hood River, Oregon. Instead of making a flagship whiskey and reproducing the same taste over and over, Wanderback prefers to explore the endless...
Jun 22, 2020•57 min
"It ain’t just a bourbon. It’s a damn fistful." We had a great time with Anthony Bohlinger, National Brand Ambassador for Fistful of Bourbon. Fistful of Bourbon is a new, national release bourbon from William Grant & Sons. You may be more familiar with the company known for Scotch brands like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie (as well as Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry rum), but this is the company’s first new American Whiskey. Fistful is a blend of five straight American bourbons (five fingers …...
Jun 15, 2020•39 min
Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller of Hotaling & Co., joins us to discuss one of the original craft rye whiskies post-Prohibition. Old Potrero emerged out San Francisco after a few brewers decided to try their hand at distillation in the mid-1990s. Hotaling & Co. (formerly the Anchor Distilling Company) produces several rye whiskies under the Old Potrero namesake. This unique rye whiskey is made from 100% malted rye grain and distilled using pot stills. We had the opportunity to try Old Potr...
Jun 08, 2020•42 min
We are joined by Alexander Berezowski, founder of My Cigar Pack and Cigar Yard, to talk cigars. We discuss the parallels in cigar culture and the world of whiskey as well as what makes the modern cigar smoker different. Alexander generously shared some fine cigars with us to pair with our whiskies of choice. Alexander is a driven entrepreneur who is constantly striving to bring the world’s best cigars to all types of cigar lovers. My Cigar Pack and its sister company, Cigar Yard, have partnered ...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 6 min
We had a great time learning the history of Jefferson's Bourbon, sourcing whiskey in Kentucky, and sending bourbon on trips around the globe. Trey Zoeller, Founder of Jefferson's Bourbon, joins us for a great evening enjoying two of Jefferson's popular offerings, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea and Jefferson's Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask Finish. We also talked about a little friedly competition between himself and Julian Van Winkle (of the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery aka Pappy Van Winkl...
May 25, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Michael and Scott catch up over some bourbon and discuss some exciting, upcoming releases in the whiskey world. We also discuss our hopes in getting back out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as COVID-19 has dealt a heavy blow to the tourism industry. We would appreciate you giving us a 5 star rating on your podcast app and please leave us a written review. This will help others discover our podcast and will help us expand our reach. Also, be sure to follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram , Facebook , ...
May 18, 2020•29 min
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a firefighter and first responder at one of the world's largest bourbon distilleries? This week, we sit down with Jim Beam Fire Chief Kevin Mercer and some whiskies from Knob Creek. You’ll hear all about the fire department and some details about distillery operations at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. And hear our thoughts on the new Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon and Single Barrel of Knob Creek Rye. Finally, be sure you check out what Chief Mercer i...
May 11, 2020•54 min
We line up 4 single barrel, store picks of the ever-popular Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. We also discuss life during the Covid-19 quarantine. The quarantine has provided us with an opportunity to sample some great and some unique whiskies. The four picks we sampled are from: A) Louisville Bourbon Club/Evergreen Liquors, B) Bottles Unlimited, C) Liquor Barn, and D) Keg Liquors Indiana We think we’ve found a clear winner, but we discuss the nuances of store picks and single barrel programs. A...
May 04, 2020•52 min
On this week’s episode we sit down with Chattanooga Whiskey Co-Founder and CEO Tim Piersant. Their signature Tennessee High Malt whiskey is made up of four grains including 3 specialty malts that provide a unique and very complex flavor profile (which, is a technically a Straight Bourbon also). Tim walks us through the history of distillation in the city of Chattanooga and the role they played in getting distillation legalized again in his hometown. Tim also talks about what made him start Chatt...
Apr 27, 2020•52 min
Branching out and exploring Australian Whisky in this week’s episode with David Vitale, Founder of Starward. Starward Australian Whisky was founded in 2007 but recently released in the US with two solid expressions; Nova Single Malt Whisky and Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky. We were able to enjoy both of with Founder David Vitale via Skype. Since its Australian debut in 2016, Starward Nova has received numerous accolades including two gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition...
Apr 20, 2020•56 min
Self-proclaimed "Whiskey Farmers", Colby Frey and Ashley Frey recently introduced their first bourbon and have staked their claim in the craft bourbon space. Frey Ranch Distillery is a true ground-to-glass “whiskey farm” and distillery located in Northern Nevada’s Lake Tahoe Watershed, where the Frey family has been farming since 1854. The 1,500-acre Frey Ranch is owned and operated by fifth-generation farmer Colby Frey and his wife Ashley, who founded a distillery on the property in 2006 and be...
Apr 13, 2020•44 min
On this week’s episode we take a trip to Starlight, Indiana to visit the Starlight Distillery located at Huber's Orchard & Winery. Huber’s is most known for their world-famous wine and entertainment at the winery. We were met by co-owner and Master Distiller Ted Huber and his son and associate distiller, Christian Huber. They were kind enough to give us a private tour of the distillery and share some very special whiskies with us. We then sat down to do what we do, record a podcast. Ted and ...
Apr 06, 2020•1 hr 18 min
It is hard to identify the flavors and aromas of whiskey without experiencing those flavors and aromas first. This is where the Nose Your Bourbon Kit comes into play. Chris Walters has created a bourbon nosing kit to help bourbon fans identify the various elements of bourbon aromas and tastes. The compact, travel-ready kit includes 18 different vials of some of the most common smells you may discover in a whiskey; peanut, corn, cinnamon and tobacco just to name a few. The Nose Your Bourbon Kit i...
Mar 30, 2020•40 min
We're discussing a new style of whiskey for us, American Single Malt Whiskey. And who better to talk with than Westland Distillery, co-founders of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. We discuss what makes an American Single Malt Whiskey and the efforts to ratify a definition on a national level to protect the whiskey category. We enjoyed 3 of Westland’s single malts; American Oak, Sherry Wood, and Peated. Made from 100% barley, American Single Malt Whiskey may not share a lot of similar...
Mar 23, 2020•55 min
