In this captivating episode of The Bourbon Road , hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter sit down with Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian at the distillery’s stunning downtown Louisville location for a twofold journey: one through the glass, and one through time. Their guest isn’t just a master distiller and entrepreneur — he’s now an author, and his new book, Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told , brings the remarkable story of Mary Dowling into the spotlight. As the epi...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 452
In this episode of The Bourbon Road, Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter return for Part Two of their deep dive into Lost Lantern’s 2025 Summer Collection — and this time, it’s all about the rye. The duo tastes through a curated lineup of four standout rye whiskeys, plus a bonus pour, delivering flavor notes, backstories, and some playful banter along the way. The tasting kicks off with Far North Spirits from Minnesota, a 4-year-old rye clocking in at 111.5 proof. It impresses with grain-forward notes, ...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 451
In this week’s episode of The Bourbon Road , Jim and Todd settle into the Bourbon Road Bar with four exciting pours—all part of Lost Lantern’s 2025 Summer Collection . Known for spotlighting unique, independently bottled whiskeys, Lost Lantern returns with a compelling lineup that champions estate distilleries —those growing their own grains and crafting whiskey that truly reflects a sense of place. The hosts dive headfirst into these new expressions, starting with a robust 118.1 proof bourbon f...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 450
In this episode of the Bourbon Road podcast, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are joined by Joe O'Sullivan, Master Distiller at Minden Mill Distilling, for an in-depth exploration of their unique Nevada-born spirits. This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of estate distilling, where Minden Mill grows 85% of its own grains right in the challenging high-altitude climate of Nevada, just a stone's throw from Lake Tahoe . The conversation kicks off with a tasting of the Minden Mill Ne...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 449
In this relaxed and whiskey-rich episode of The Bourbon Road , hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter take a well-earned pause from their recent travels and barrel picks to enjoy a night of good conversation and even better pours. Broadcasting from the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky, the duo dives into a curated flight of four whiskeys—two bourbons and two ryes—with a monster of a surprise in the final glass. You'll hear stories of legendary Kentucky moonshine, high-proof adventures, and ...
Jun 11, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 448
This week on The Bourbon Road, Jim and Todd sit down with Julian Jones of West Fork Whiskey, an emerging Indiana distillery making bold moves in the American whiskey scene. In a rare twist, the trio kicks things off with a reverse-proof tasting—starting strong with Old Hammer Cask Strength Bourbon. Julian shares the story behind West Fork’s grain-to-glass mission, the challenges of building a craft brand in a Kentucky-dominated world, and why Indiana whiskey deserves your attention. Don’t miss t...
Jun 04, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 447
In this episode of The Bourbon Road, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter sit down in Frankfort, Kentucky, with filmmaker and bourbon enthusiast Bo Cumberland . Known to fans of the show and followers of the Bourbon Road Facebook community, Bo is the creative mind behind the documentary Frankfort, Kentucky: The Heart of Bourbon , a project highlighting the deep roots and vibrant community surrounding bourbon in Kentucky’s capital. Bo shares his personal journey - from his move from Knoxville, Tenne...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 446
Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter, feature special guest David Sandlin, bourbon historian and owner of House of Commons in Frankfort, Kentucky . This episode, affectionately dubbed "Crazy Eights," embarks on a fascinating tasting journey through five different versions of Wild Turkey 8-year bourbon . The hosts and David analyze various expressions, starting with the recently released 2025 Wild Turkey 8-year 101 . They delve into its nose, noting hints of peanut shell, lemon, and a spicier, more ...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 445
This episode of the Bourbon Road podcast features Jim Shannon (traveling in Denver, Colorado) interviewing Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House. Laws shares the history and philosophy behind his Denver-based distillery, emphasizing their grain-to-glass approach using heirloom Colorado grains like Centennial white wheat and San Luis Valley rye. He discusses the mash bill of their flagship Four Grain Bourbon (60% corn, 20% wheat, 10% rye, 10% malt) and the specific flavor contributions of each grain, inc...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 444
Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter, connecting remotely from Colorado and Kentucky respectively, discuss recent happenings in the bourbon world and taste a couple of whiskies. Jim is in Colorado Springs for a Derby party, having flown out of Louisville on Derby Day. He mentions winning an exacta on the Derby race. He is sipping on Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select 90.4 proof, the annual Derby bottle, describing it as a traditional Woodford. He notes that at the Derby party, they were making min...
May 07, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 443
This week Jim and Todd drink through six finished whiskeys from Lost Lantern's recent releases of both their Single Cask Series as well as their Single Distillery Series. These guys are killing it and definitely need to be on your radar! Listen in for all the details. Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open a...
Apr 30, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 442
This week Jim and Todd examine and rank four whiskeys that should be on your radar. One even reaches "hazmat" levels. We will announce a winner of this round. Be sure to tune in and get all the details. Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Apr 23, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 441
This week Jim and Todd welcome two Roadies, Doug and Jer to join us in celebrating red corn bourbons. We have four different red corn bourbons on, featuring Jimmy Red or Blood Bitcher varieties. Listen in as we taste and rank these four bourbons. Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 440
This week Jim and Todd walk through Jack Daniels 10, 12 and 14 yerar old releases. Also we have the BBC Cathedral Oak as well as Woodfords Chocolate Malt Redux. Listen in for a review session that will have you heading to your local Bourbon Bar. Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 439
This week Jim and Todd welcome Bobby DeMars of Blind Barrels. Blind Barrels is an exclusive blind whiskey tasting experience that features highly curated blind whiskey expressions. Listen in as we walk through one of their experiences and choose our favorite bottle. Bourbon on the Banks 2025 Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arm...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 438
Jim and Todd sit down with Diane Strong, Director of Bourbon on the Banks. We taste the Limestone Heritage Small Batch Bourbon as well as Buffalo Trace's Thomas H. Handy while discussing this years event on Frankfort. Listen in for all the details. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Mar 26, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 437
Jim and Todd welcome Jeffrey Wack from Hello Again Whiskey Friends Youtube channel. On this episode, Todd breaks out the big guns and we journey through the four most recent years of the Limited Edition releases from Four Roses. Listen in as we taste through these unicorns to find the best of the bunch. Also, a great mystery bonus pour in the second half! The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving pe...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 436
Jim and Todd travel to J. Mattingly 1845 in Frankfort Kentucky to craft a blended expression that speaks to our palates. Listen in as we take six very different barrels to craft an expression that represents our personal preferences. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 435
Jim and Todd celebrate Bottled in Bond day with Drew Hannush, Best-selling Author, Whisky Historian, and World Whisky Ambassador. Join us as we drink through some pretty amazing whiskeys including a 1940's Old Crow Bonded. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 434
Jim and Todd welcome Rob Carter and Amzie Wenning, and the four maltmigos embark on a journey to find exceptional American Single Malt whiskeys. Join us as we taste through 5 great examples and score four of them for the top spot. A fun episode you won't want to miss. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 433
Jim and Todd host Wes Milligan from Bourbon BarrALZ (ENDALZ) to taste through a number of their barrel picks. A great cause dedicated to a cure for Alzheimers. List in and help the cause by picking up one of their great picks. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 432
In this episode, Jim and Todd taste through four separate expressions from Jim Beam, Jack Daniels and Milam and Greene. The Jim Beam entry is very unusual. Listen in as we taste and rate these whiskeys. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 431
In this episode, Jim and Todd hit the road and head out to Lancaster Kentucky, home of Garrard County Distilling Co. Listen in as we dive into the story of distillery and its brand All Nations. Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 430
In this episode, Jim and Todd join with special guest Amzie Wenning. We dive into a very special Wild Turkey release and three different recent Jim Beam releases. You'll get a kick out of this one! Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 429
Jim and Todd welcome back Rick and Ricky Johnson from 15 Stars. We're glad to have back two very good friends that always bring amazing whiskeys when they are able to join us. Listen in as we taste two of their best offerings and talk about what is to come. Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 428
Jim and Todd dive into five different blue corn bourbons and whiskeys to give you some clues as to which ones you should add to your bar. There may be a bourbon of the year in this batch of goodies. Listen in to find out! Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 427
Jim and Todd put out the first review episode of 2025 and taste, rate and compare four new whiskeys. By the end of the show, you'll know our winner. Lots of fun and definitely one to check out. Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with open arms!...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 426
Jim and Todd celebrate the New Year by ranking the top 6 bourbons of 2024. Listen in as we taste through and rank our favorites from last year. By the end of the show you will find out our 2024 Bourbon of the Year! Cheers to 2024, Happy New Year and much more to come in 2025. Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcomed with ...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 425
Jim and Melody head down to Loretto Kentucky to enjoy a Christmas time stay at the Hill House Bed and Breakfast. We relax by the fire with Jim and Cheryl and a few pours of local bourbon. Listen in as we explore this historic and beautiful destination in the heart of bourbon country. Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be welcom...
Dec 25, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 424
Jim and Todd welcome Mark Borchetta and Kiley Judge from Borchetta Bourbon and Big Machine Distillery. We try two great expressions from them which includes the AJ Foyt release of their Race Car Series. Definitely a must listen episode. Scott Borchetta even drops in for a bit to say hello. Thanks to our sponsors: Smokeys Lifestyle Cigars The Hill House Bed and Breakfast Be sure to check out our private Facebook group, "The Bourbon Roadies" for a great group of bourbon loving people. You will be ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 423
