Jake & Jake sit down with Dafne Mejia, Private Chef and runner up on Season 21 of Hell’s Kitchen to discuss her passion for cooking, bourbon and much more. Of course, Jake L. had to talk about his passion for cooking during this episode. Tune into the latest episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast listening app today. During this podcast, we discuss a story involving a DUI and the impact that can have on one's life. We ask you to please drink responsibly in your Off H...
May 31, 2023•47 min
Jeff Hopmayer joins us in "The Office" to discuss the Brindiamo Group, the company he founded, which has played an integral part in the behind-the-scenes creation of many spirits brands you've seen emerge and grow in years past. In fact, Brindiamo Group stands out as one of the largest suppliers of bourbon, whiskey, and other bulk spirits in the world. We delve into the Brindiamo Group's exceptional position in the spirits world and the growth of sourced and independently bottled whiskey. This p...
May 28, 2023•1 hr 35 min
About Episode One of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens Jake Lewellen, Co-Founder of Bourbon Lens, is back for Season 2 of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. This time, he is joined by Founder of Off Hours Bourbon, Jake Ireland, to co-host 12 new episodes. In this first episode, Jake & Jake explore Off Hours Bourbon, fatherhood, work-life balance, and more. Make sure you are subscribed to the Bourbon Lens in your favorite podcast app to catch a new episode every Wednesday! Thanks for listening to Off Hou...
May 24, 2023•25 min
We’re joined by Alex Laufer, Co-Founder and CEO of District Made Spirits in Washington D.C. Alex and his small distillery team are focused on creating unique spirits which leverage premium and equally unique heirloom grain Mashbills. 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 time to give...
May 21, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Our guest is Becky Harris, Co-Founder and Chief Distiller of Virginia’s Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. We discuss their unique rye whiskey portfolio, including their Roundstone Rye Whiskey lineup. 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 time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you en...
May 14, 2023•45 min
Our episode today is all about our recent experience of being tourists in our own city. Thanks to Mint Julep Experiences for the opportunity and allowing Bourbon Lens to curate a custom bourbon tour around Louisville. You’ll hear about our jam-packed day which included a rare look inside Brown-Forman Cooperage, an intimate tour of the historic Stitzel-Weller property, and an insider’s look at Kentucky Artisan Distillery. If you are looking to come to Kentucky, make sure you check out Mint Julep ...
May 07, 2023•36 min
Our guest this week is Will Woodington with Grain & Barrel Spirits. We’ve followed Will for quite a while on social media (you can find him at @MashbillWill and @BondedInBottles on Instagram) and now he’s the National Brand Ambassador for the portfolio of brands. We discuss the history of Chicken Cock Whiskey, their flagship portfolio, and their latest limited release, an 8 Year Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review whil...
Apr 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min
We’re talking with Andrew Wason, Managing Director for Brush Creek Distillery in Wyoming. Andrew is a Kentucky native and spirits industry veteran and he was finally able to join Bourbon Lens live to discuss what is happening in Saratoga Wyoming. Brush Creek Distillery sits on property that includes 30,000 acres of farmland, a cattle ranch, and a world-class resort with luxury accommodations. Brush Creek Distillery is focused on blending spirits that it has sourced by utilizing its spirits backg...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr 7 min
The Co-Founder of Art of Alchemy Blended Spirits joins us today to talk about Blend No. 1. Mac Macsovits discusses the origins of Art of Alchemy and how they fit into the American Whiskey landscape as independent blenders and bottlers. This blend is a unique one and we cannot wait to see how Art of Alchemy conjures up some magic in their future releases. Their Blend No. 2 just launched recently and you can learn more about Art of Alchemy on their website here: Art of Alchemy . Stream this episod...
Apr 17, 2023•49 min
Our guest this week is Todd Wiesel, Founder and CEO of BAXUS. We discuss whiskey collecting, spirits investing, and how BAXUS is seeking to be the leading platform to buy, sell, and invest in rare spirits. 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 time to give us feedback on our podcast....
Apr 09, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Nelson Eddy rejoins Bourbon Lens for a “Part 2” episode on all things Jack Daniel’s. You will recall Eddy’s last appearance back on Episode 202 when we discussed the legends and lore behind the brand. As we teased in that episode, Eddy joins us today to talk about Jack’s surge into the mainstream and its place in pop culture, media, and its place on the world’s stage. 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...
Apr 02, 2023•42 min
Our guest this week is Richard Seale, Master Distiller & Master Blender of Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. Aged Rum is an area we’ve not explored but a recent trip to Barbados inspired Jake to curate this episode for our Bourbon Lens listeners. Well-aged rum stocks draw similarities to the bourbon world and for those who are looking to expand their palate, this is a must taste. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We are ...
Mar 26, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Jake is joined by Gerard Garland, Whiskey Ambassador for Irish Distillers and Method + Madness Irish Whiskey . They discuss the explosive growth of Irish Whiskey as it competes globally in the Whiskey World. Irish Whiskey is experiencing a rebirth as is evident by its growth and popularity. We were excited to have the opportunity to branch out and try some of the recent releases from Method and Madness. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re...
Mar 19, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Our guest today is Drew Hannush, who is helping us kick off our coverage of Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day. Drew is an author, podcaster, world traveler, and incredible storyteller. Drew Hannush is the author of the best selling book "Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon” and his latest book, “Whiskey Lore’s Travel Guide to Experiencing Irish Whiskey” . He also hosts two whiskey podcasts, Whiskey Lore - The Stories & Whiskey Lore - The Interviews . Drew has trave...
Mar 12, 2023•1 hr 22 min
We’re joined by the Founders of Lucky Seven Spirits, a spirits brand inspired by the Hollywood of old. It’s name and packaging is an homage to the film world, including Hollywood’s Stage 7 (known as Lucky Seven). The stage gained its name because three Warner Bros. best picture winners — The Life of Emile Zola, My Fair Lady and Casablanca — and 10 best picture nominees were shot here. We taste through two expressions of Lucky Seven, including The Frenchman and Holiday Toast. Stream this episode ...
Mar 06, 2023•43 min
Our guest this week is Craig Bridger of Whyte & Mackay. Craig brings us an impressive lineup of The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, including their 12 Year, USA-Exclusive 14 Year, Port Wood Reserve, and an exquisite and rare 18 Year Single Malt. Our US listeners should definitely keep their eyes out for the 14 Year. The 14 Year joins The Dalmore Principal Collection, exclusively in the USA. Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass led its development, the first expression to be finished in hand-...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Bourbon Lens is excited to play host to a roundtable discussion featuring three organizations aimed at making bourbon accessible for all. We are joined by the Founders of Bourbon Women, Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, and BIG Bourbon Club. Join us as we discuss some important topics as we seek to pull back the red velvet rope of the Bourbon Industry to ensure everyone feels welcome sharing a pour of America’s Native Spirit. About the Panelists: Peggy Noe Stevens - Founder of Bourbon Women Associat...
Feb 20, 2023•48 min
Our guest this week is Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Victoria had a rather unconventional path to the whiskey world, but her story is a great one and we were excited to have this opportunity. She’s honoring the legacy of her Great-Great-Grandfather in her role as the Master Blender of one of the top trending brands in American Whiskey. Uncle Nearest honors the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the first spirits ...
Feb 13, 2023•49 min
Our guest is Morgan Hancock, Founder of Bourbon with Heart , Kentucky's first and only arts-focused bourbon charity. Bourbon with Heart is hosting the Inaugural "Barrels of Heart" bourbon barrel art exhibit at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The Exhibit began on February 1, 2023 and runs through April. Visit Bourbon with Heart on Social Media to vote for your favorite barrel; the winning barrel artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize plus an additional $1,000 donated to their...
Feb 06, 2023•27 min
Colin Spoelman is our guest this week and he is the Co-Founder of NYC’s Kings County Distillery. We discuss how Colin grew a tiny distillery into New York City’s oldest and most respected craft whiskey distillery. Colin has a unique approach to his whiskey craft and isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers to make great whiskey and gain respect amongst the world’s largest, and even smallest, distilleries. Find out what makes Kings County whiskey stand out in the crowd by downloading this week’s epi...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Our guest this week is David Coors, of the iconic Coors Brewing family. David is leading the Next Generation of Beverages for Molson Coors and he joins us to discuss their Five Trail Whiskey lineup. Find out what inspired David to explore the whiskey world and how he convinced his brewing family to get into spirits. 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 gr...
Jan 23, 2023•49 min
We sit down with James Doherty, Founder of Sliabh Liag Distillers (pronounced “sleeve league”) to discuss their portfolio of Silkie Irish Whiskey which recently launched in the United States. We discuss the unique features of Irish Whiskey as well as the various offerings from Sliabh Liag. Find out what makes their whiskies stand out in a market that is seeing explosive growth for Irish Whiskey. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. ...
Jan 16, 2023•51 min
Jake and Scott catch up with Colin Blake, Director of Spirits Education at Moonshine University, after becoming two of the newest Executive Bourbon Stewards. Stave and Thief Society, which is part of Moonshine University, is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The Executive Bourbon Steward Certification is a day-long, intensive training to streng...
Jan 09, 2023•50 min
Jake travels to Bardstown for an early look (and taste) of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s first estate-distilled collection of whiskey releases; The Origin Series. These whiskies release later this week and we had the opportunity to be among the first to try each of the 3 releases. If you’ve followed the Bourbon Lens for a while, you know that we have anticipated these whiskies for many years. We discuss the new lineup with Dan Callaway and Brandon Smith from BBCo. Stream this episode on your favor...
Jan 02, 2023•33 min
We are exploring American Single Malt again this week and tasting a lineup from Colkegan from Santa Fe Spirits in New Mexico. We’re joined by Colin Keegan, one of the pillars in the American Single Malt Whiskey community. Colin talks about his path to making spirits in the Southwestern United States, the difficulties in growing a craft brand, and his commitment to crafting the best single malt whiskey in America. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review wh...
Dec 26, 2022•55 min
We’re joined by Filmland Spirits Founder and CEO Troy Bolotnick. Filmland Spirits has just released 3 new whiskies to market and are seeking to tell a story with every bottle. Inspired by decade’s past B–Movies, their bottlings are sure to catch your attention on the shelf. Each release is a homage to Hollywood, film-making, and wild storylines. Visit FilmlandSpirits.com to grab yourself a bottle for your next movie night. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a...
Dec 19, 2022•40 min
Our guest this week is David Souza, the Founder and Distiller for Corbin Cash Distillery in California. We discuss the farm-to-glass approach of the Distillery and what drives David to produce craft whiskey in the San Joaquin Valley where his family has been farming for decades. 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 ...
Dec 12, 2022•57 min
Our guest this week is Matt Hofman of Westland Distillery. Matt is the Co-Founder and Master Distiller of Westland Distillery in Seattle, Washington. Matt has passion for exceptional whiskies that reflect the region where they were made. He has received a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Distilling from the International Center for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. Matt’s work in America...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 23 min
Our guest this week is Nelson Eddy, historian for Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Nelson has represented the Jack Daniel’s brand for more than 34 years and learned the history and lore surrounding the brand working for its very first marketing director, Mr. Art Hancock. In 1988, Eddy helped introduce the first new whiskey from the Jack Daniel Distillery in more than a century – Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey. He has since crafted numerous brand communications for Jack Daniel’s, including a book, tou...
Nov 28, 2022•49 min
Our guest this week is Robert Haynes, former bartender at Chicago’s Violet Hour and the creator of Sunday's Finest Gold Fashioned. Robert is looking to reimagine the “ready to drink” cocktail to put an elevated spin on the Old Fashioned. In fact, Sunday’s Finest is re-defining this iconic cocktail using some of the best ingredients on the planet, including Afghan Saffron and Tahitian Vanilla. This is the 2nd release of the Gold Fashioned and features a blend of bourbon and rye composed of a 15 y...
Nov 21, 2022•52 min
