We’re celebrating our 200th episode of Bourbon Lens this week. And we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with The Last Drop Distillers. Last Drop recently released their rare, ultra premium blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskies. Our guests today are Rebecca Jago, managing director of The Last Drop Distillers, and Drew Mayville, Sazerac Master Blender and founding member of The Last Drop Assembly. Find out more about this ultra-exclusive release which retails for $3,999 in this week’s...
Nov 14, 2022•41 min
It’s the return of our “Salute to Service” Veteran’s Day podcast. This week, we are saluting the service of our guest, Arch Watkins, and his partner, Mark McLaughlin, from Old Line Spirits. Old Line Spirits is based in Maryland and has had a gritty story of building a top class American Single Malt distillery. We hope you enjoy this episode and toast to Veterans this week! If you are looking for a Veteran-Owned distillery to support, may we suggest Old Line? Stream this episode on your favorite ...
Nov 07, 2022•45 min
Our guests this week are Steven Grasse and Aaron Goldfarb who are set to release their latest book: Brand Mysticism. The book releases on November 8th and is a must read for anyone looking to add creativity to their life and brand. This isn't your typical "booze book" and definitely will raise some eyebrows in the marketing world, but Steven Grasse doesn't mind that one bit. His portfolio speaks for itself; he's created some of the biggest brands including Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and...
Oct 30, 2022•52 min
We’re joined by the founders of American Mash & Grain, CEO Devin Ershow & COO Chase Langdon. Devin and Chase have created a website documentary project to highlight the American Craft Whiskey movement, regularly giving full featured reviews and telling the stories of the best craft whiskey distilleries. The next progression for their project is marrying some of their favorite featured distilleries into a unique blend of American Whiskey. Their first volume features 4 varied whiskies that...
Oct 23, 2022•56 min
We’re joined by the “International Man of Whisky”, Nate Gana. He’s the man behind Bevridge, a carefully curated whisky experience that ships straight to your door, and currently has over 125K followers on his Instagram . We discuss his views in the world of whisky and the growth of American Single Malt as well as the international impact of Bourbon. About Nate Gana: Nate is the Founder of @NateGana on Instagram (formerly known as @SingleMaltDaily) , a platform of over 130K+ followers, as well as...
Oct 16, 2022•37 min
Our guest today is Tim Pitts, the Senior District Manager for Kentucky and Tennessee for William Grant & Sons Inc. Working in the land of Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey, Tim is up for the challenge of bringing some of the world’s best Scotch Whisky to consumers in the area. William Grant & Sons is an independent, family owned premium spirits company. Their core lineup includes some of the most well-known brands in spirits: Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Dra...
Oct 09, 2022•37 min
It is the Finale Episode of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens”. And, to celebrate the Finale, we are releasing our Single Barrel Selection of Off Hours Bourbon. This is an extremely limited release of less than 100 bottles. We couldn't think of a better way to cap off this successful podcast mini-series run. If you've enjoyed this content, do us a big favor and pick yourself up a bottle to share with your friends and family in your 'Off Hours'. Bottles are available online and shipped to your door, c...
Oct 05, 2022•34 min
We're wrapping up our coverage of the 2022 Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Bourbon Heritage Month with some live recordings on-site at the Festival. We’re joined by some great brands and distilleries like Kentucky Peerless, O.H. Ingram, Broken Barrel, RD1 Spirits, Old Steelhouse Distillery, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. Don’t miss out on the 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, sign up for their newsletter via KyBourbonFestival.com . Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a...
Oct 02, 2022•25 min
Wrapping up Bourbon Heritage Month at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY. We’re joined by Steve Beam, Master Distiller, to chat about his latest Limited Edition release of Yellowstone Bourbon and the Master Distiller Road Tour schedule. 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. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the t...
Sep 25, 2022•29 min
We are joined by Marcus Niemann to discuss his involvement in Kentucky To The World, a non-profit which celebrates the accomplishments of Kentuckians across the globe. Kentucky To The World is having a major fundraiser to cap off Bourbon Heritage Month and we want you to grab a ticket to support a great cause and have the opportunity to win some rare bourbon. Full details on the campaign can be found below, but how about a chance to win a Four Roses 2017 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Small Ba...
Sep 18, 2022•21 min
Recording inside the Vintage Whiskey Library at Bardstown Bourbon Co., we sit down with Head Distiller Nick Smith. Enjoy this week’s podcast as we talk about Bardstown’s “coming of age” whiskies (own distillate) that will release in the very near future and their blending and Collaboration Series of whiskies. 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. A huge shoutout goes to our growing P...
Sep 11, 2022•40 min
We’re back for Episode 11 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring Jackie Zykan with Hidden Barn Whiskey and two-time former guest of Bourbon Lens Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you fo...
Sep 07, 2022•34 min
Jake and Scott are kicking off Bourbon Heritage Month with some of the bourbons they'll be seeking to add to their shelves. Which bourbon releases are you most excited for this month? Any exciting new or limited releases you can’t wait to find? Let us know by sending us a message on social media or via our website. And happy hunting!! 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. A huge shou...
Sep 05, 2022•40 min
We’re talking Texas Whiskey with Balcones Distilling. Balcones is located in Waco Texas and is known as the producer of “The Original Texas Whisky”. We’re excited to discuss what makes Texas unique; it’s definitely more than its hot weather too. We’re joined by Gabe RiCharde, the Director of Spirits at Balcones Distilling, where he has worked for nearly six years. Gabe has had a hand in many of the unique whiskies coming out of Waco, including one of the wildest whiskies we’ve tried in a long ti...
Aug 28, 2022•1 hr
We’re back for Episode 10 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring Sam Montgomery, National Brand Ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company. Find out what keeps Sam motivated and how she finds time to relax between her travels and her daily efforts to elevate Bardstown Bourbon Co and her craft cocktail game. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find ...
Aug 24, 2022•32 min
Jake sits down with one of his favorite brands to talk with High West Distillery’s Brendan Coyle. Brendon, Master Distiller, talks about High West’s evolving core lineup and limited release schedule. What makes High West Whiskey unique and why does it have a cult-like following? Grab yourself a bottle of High West next time you see it on a shelf and find out! 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 ...
Aug 21, 2022•42 min
We’re back for Episode 9 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring David Mandell, the man behind many projects in the heart of Bourbon Country; Bardstown Kentucky. David is co-founder of Bardstown Bourbon Co. and is currently with Stoli Group/Kentucky Owl and is the Chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Jake sits down with David to find out how he turns off his business mind and finds time for himself. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the m...
Aug 17, 2022•29 min
Our guest this week is Bobby DeMars, founder and CEO of Blind Barrels. Bobby developed Blind Barrels as a quarterly blind tasting experience that ships straight to your door. Blind Barrels is an exploration of the craft whiskey scene of America and we were excited to test our palates. Blind tastings remove any “label bias” that whiskey drinkers may encounter when tasting their whiskies and we’ve found that blind tasting is one of the best ways to get serious about learning whiskey. Sign up for a...
Aug 15, 2022•1 hr 22 min
Our guest is Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller of Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey for Hotaling & Co. Bruce previously appeared back in Episode 74 (circa June 2020) , but he’s back with his unique malted rye whiskey and it is now bearing a higher age statement and some killer new packaging. The malted rye mashbill is pot distilled in San Francisco and admittedly is one of the most unique whiskies we’ve tried during this podcast’s history. If you want to flex your palate and see what else is out...
Aug 08, 2022•35 min
We’re back for Episode 8 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring Marcus Niemann, the future Director of Quality and R&D at Michter's Distillery and former guest of our Behind the Scenes at Four Roses Episode way back on Episode 39 . Marcus is a long-time friend of Jake's who is passionate about philanthropy, bike riding, fatherhood, and fermentation. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because...
Aug 03, 2022•26 min
Putting a wine-maker’s spin on blending bourbon and rye, Sean Joseph’s utilizes his background as a Wine Sommelier to blend yearly vintages of Pinhook. We discuss the Pinhook approach to blending and the work behind the horse racing-inspired branding. It’s clear that there is a lot more to this whiskey than colorful wax. Have you tried Pinhook Whiskies before? Let us know your thoughts by dropping us a line on social media. About Pinhook: The standard approach to American whiskey uses blending a...
Jul 31, 2022•1 hr 3 min
We’re back for Episode 7 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring Michael Paladini, co-founder of Penelope Bourbon. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued support. Scott & Ja...
Jul 27, 2022•24 min
Rare, old whiskies are the subject of today's podcast as we sit down with Preservation Distillery in Bardstown Kentucky. Jake tastes through a flight of Preservation whiskies, including Rare Perfection, Very Olde St. Nick, and Wattie Boone & Sons. Our guest today is Jake Feldhuse who tells the brand's history, story, and a little bit about what might be in store for the distillery. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We are tha...
Jul 24, 2022•53 min
We’re back for Episode 6 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring David DeFazio, Co-Founder of Wyoming Whiskey and avid outdoorsman. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continued suppor...
Jul 20, 2022•30 min
Year 2 of the revamped Kentucky Bourbon Festival is just 2 months away. “Whiskey Only. Only In Bardstown.” is the tagline for the 2022 edition of the Festival. One of Kentucky's biggest events that celebrates its native spirit is returning for 2022, and tickets are on sale. The 31st Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held Sept. 16 through Sept. 18 in Bardstown. Hear from Festival President Randy Prasse as he discusses last year’s event as well as what the future holds for the Festival. Buy your t...
Jul 18, 2022•47 min
We’re back with Episode 5 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring Ashley and Colby Frey, Founders of Frey Ranch Distillery in Fallon Nevada. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Thank you for your continu...
Jul 06, 2022•24 min
We are catching up with Old Elk’s Master Distiller, Greg Metze, since his last appearance back in Episode 101. Old Elk Distillery is continuing to grow, expand its limited release portfolio , and experiment with blends and finishes. We taste their Master’s Blend Series offerings, Four Grain Bourbon and Double Wheat. Find out what’s going on in Fort Collins Colorado in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’r...
Jul 05, 2022•42 min
We’re back with Episode 4 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” featuring John Wadell, Single Barrel Curator for Kentucky Peerless Distilling and Founder of The Stave & Bean Coffee Co. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours. Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website. Follow John on Instagram @bourbon_colone...
Jun 29, 2022•33 min
Are you looking to plan your next weekend trip? Check out all Louisville has to offer in this "Travel To-Do List" episode of Bourbon Lens. Jake discusses ideas for your next bourbon-centric trip to Kentucky. You are guaranteed to find some places you’ll love in this episode. Be sure to let us know your favorite tourist destinations in Louisville. 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....
Jun 27, 2022•17 min
Episode 3 of “Off Hours with Bourbon Lens” features a long-time supporter of Bourbon Lens; Bob Cutler from Novio's Bistro in Bangor Maine. We are honored to have the support of Bob and his team at Novio's Bistro over the years and it's our privilege to have Bob as one of our guests on this podcast mini-series. As always, this episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in be...
Jun 22, 2022•36 min