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 Craig’s whiskey lineup, and the charitable element of this 10-day long celebration. If you want to join the fun, participating bars are searchable v...
Oct 15, 2023•39 min
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 and rewards of barrel ownership. Whether it’s one barrel or many, Barrel Global is your one-stop-shop for buying and bottling your very own distilled sp...
Oct 08, 2023•31 min
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 its world class distillery and tasting room) includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000 square foot wedding and events v...
Oct 01, 2023•45 min
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, Jefferson’s Tropics Aged in Humidity , which had Trey send a load of his bourbon to Singapore to test the impact of Singapore's extreme heat and humi...
Sep 25, 2023•47 min
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, barrel procurement, heat cycling and temperature monitoring during aging, tracking maturation of barrels, whiskey filtration in preparation for bottlin...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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 biggest shoutout to our growing Patreon Community of supporters! As always, we'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes time to give us feedback o...
Sep 10, 2023•55 min
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 location of this massive distillery. As you know by now, this is likely Scott’s favorite distillery of all time as it produces some of his favorite whiskie...
Sep 03, 2023•38 min
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 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...
Aug 27, 2023•55 min
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 Heritage Month podcast series, which will feature a long-awaited podcast with Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll. Stream this episode on your favorite...
Aug 20, 2023•44 min
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 crafting unique and thoughtful whiskey blends from extraordinary casks. Thanks to our good friends, Courtney (@PicsAndPours) and Jaron (@Bourbon_In_Indian...
Aug 13, 2023•38 min
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 walk or a jog around the block. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bo...
Aug 09, 2023•45 min
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! 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 ...
Aug 06, 2023•58 min
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 guts and rolling up your sleeves to make it in this industry. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out ne...
Aug 02, 2023•55 min
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 and are so excited to see how this emerging whiskey brand grows. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review whil...
Jul 31, 2023•51 min
Jake & Jake are back with another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. We sat down with Kyle Tucker of The Athletic who covers University of Kentucky Basketball and some Kentucky Football. Kyle shares some important insights on being there for his family and wife during trying times and how much just saying ‘I love you’ can mean. This podcast might pull at your heartstrings, but it is a must-listen podcast for everyone, especially the dads and husbands. Thanks for listening to another epi...
Jul 26, 2023•45 min
Perfect for summer, our guest today is here to talk about all things Cocktails! He is Jonathan Pogash, also known as “ The Cocktail Guru ”. Jonathan joins Jake to talk about being creative with cocktails at home and his tips for any home bartender. Join us as we expand our palate from our usual whiskey neat to more complex drinks. Cheers! 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 ...
Jul 23, 2023•44 min
Jake & Jake are back with a new episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. In this episode, we chat with Noah Neiman of Rumble Boxing. Noah opens up about his story of dealing with drug addiction and mental health issues to focusing that energy into creating a unique, successful fitness concept. Not only is Noah truly authentic, he is absolutely hilarious. Kick back, enjoy a laugh, and stream this week’s episode. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out ...
Jul 19, 2023•53 min
This week, we’re joined by L.C. May, the youngest grandson of brand namesake Clyde May, and Roy Danis. Roy is the President and CEO of Conecuh Brands LLC. We discuss the Conecuh Brands portfolio, including Clyde May’s Whiskey. 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 fee...
Jul 16, 2023•39 min
Jake and Jake are back with another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens and their guest this week is Justin Nabozna, COO of sipMARGS. sipMARGS is a ready-to-drink, bold-tasting, yet refreshing, canned margarita. Unlike many of its competitors who use a malt or wine base, sipMARGS uses real tequila in their canned cocktails for a more authentic flavor for tequila drinkers and non- alike. Find out how Justin enjoys his Off Hours when he's not growing startups and small businesses. Enjoy summert...
Jul 12, 2023•45 min
We are joined by Steve Coomes, Kentucky Bourbon Festival Programming Coordinator, to highlight the 2023 Festival’s educational programming including premium and included events. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 15-17, 2023. More than 50 bourbon brands are participating this year — and sampling is included with all tickets! Many brands will also have bottles to sell including exclusive KBF bottle picks. Additionally, the KBF is expanding and upgrading food offerings, including an all-new pa...
Jul 09, 2023•39 min
Jake and Jake sit down with Ian Rapoport, who has some of the fastest fingers and is one of the most connected men in the NFL. During this episode, we start to get the lay of the land of how an insider works, how to balance work and life in this “up to the second” environment, and how he began to enjoy whiskey. You won’t want to miss this podcast! Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here . Thi...
Jul 05, 2023•39 min
Dixon Dedman joins the Bourbon Lens podcast for the first time since Episode 59 to discuss his new venture, 2XO (Two Times Oak). We discuss his creative process, his thoughts on current state of the whiskey world, and, of course, the latest release from 2XO - The Innkeeper’s Blend. 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...
Jul 02, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Jake & Jake sit down with Nic Barisone of High Camp Flasks to talk about life in Northern California, getting outdoors, crafting homemade pizza and much more. You will want to pack this podcast along with you as you take your next adventure outdoors. And don’t forget your High Camp Flask either! Don’t miss the opportunity to win a High Camp Flask, head on over to Instagram for your chance to win. The full rules are below: Like the giveaway post on Instagram Must be following: @Highcampflasks...
Jun 28, 2023•42 min
We are joined by Eric LeGrand and Eric LeGrand Whiskey co-founder Brian Axelrod. We discuss Eric’s inspirational story about his path from Rutgers University football star to champion advocate for spinal cord injury research, his grit, positivity, and determination both on and off the field, and what led him to create a whiskey bearing his name. Jake was very inspired by Eric during his football years and during this episode and we are so thankful to Eric and Brian for joining us to tell their s...
Jun 25, 2023•44 min
This week Jake & Jake sit down with George LaBoda of Gent’s Lounge and Atlas and Mason. We dive into discussions of men’s fashion, such as wearing skinny jeans or what knot to tie with your dress shirt, the importance of finding friends that you have deep bonds with, and what it’s like to become a dad. Make sure you tune into this week's episode so you are never out of style! Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bour...
Jun 21, 2023•46 min
Jake and Scott recently had a unique opportunity to create their own whiskies thanks to Oak & Eden’s new “ Whiskey Customizer .” The new online experience allows you to be the whiskey-maker and select from over 2,000 unique combinations to craft your own unique finished whiskey. Jake and Scott each created our own whiskey and sat down with them blind to identify what our choices were and how they stacked up against each other. A big thank you to Oak & Eden for proposing this podcast idea...
Jun 18, 2023•26 min
Jake & Jake sit down with 14 year Major League Baseball veteran Jay Bruce. In this week’s episode, we talk about finding your passion in your second career, having a healthy relationship with little league sports, and what it is like to be a family man. Tune in to this week’s episode, we think it’s a home run! Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here . This has been another production of B...
Jun 14, 2023•41 min
We’re joined by the Call Family (Ron, Clayton, and Jacob). We discuss the new Hemingway Rye Whiskey and their work at Western Kentucky Distilling, which they’ve built from the ground up in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Each member of this father-sons trio brings a unique perspective to the whiskey-making process. We discuss their roles and visions for the distillery and the whiskies they produce. Thanks to the Call Family for joining us this week and for sharing a pour of Hemingway Whiskey as well as th...
Jun 11, 2023•42 min
In this week's episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens, Jake and Jake sit down with IndyCar and NASCAR race car driver Conor Daly. Conor shares about his love for racing, bourbon, and living in the moment. When you are racing at over 200 MPH, you have to find ways to enjoy the moments in between. Thanks for listening to another episode of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens. Check out new episodes of Off Hours with Bourbon Lens streaming now here . This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC. Th...
Jun 07, 2023•44 min
In celebration of all things spirits and World Gin Day on June 10th, we have a special guest this week. We are joined by Alexander Stein, Founder of Monkey 47, to talk about a different type of distilled spirit; Gin. While gin may be a bit outside of our typical coverage, Scott’s first introduction to the spirits world was really through his discovery of this juniper-based spirit. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. We are thankful...
Jun 04, 2023•41 min