Bourbon Pursuit

It's This Week in Bourbon for July 18th 2025. Stitzel-Weller Distillery is up for sale, Brothers Wright Distilling Co. acquires Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, and Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council.Show Notes: The historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery property, including 15 barrel warehouses, is currently for sale. World-renowned expert Noah Rothbaum is set to release The Whiskey Bible, a comprehensive guide to whiskey's history, secrets, and cocktails, in September 2025. Brothers Wright Distilling Co. has acquired Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in Pikeville, expanding capacity and adding a restaurant and music venue. Meridian Biotech is partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery to build a $40 million facility in Franklin County to convert distillery byproducts into alternative proteins. Acclaimed mixologist Molly Wellmann is joining Hidden Barn Whiskey as its Master Taster to enhance their blends and single barrel selections. Wolves has collaborated with Willett Family Estate on a limited-edition 10-year rye whiskey, blending Kentucky and California-aged ryes. Old Forester is bringing back its annual 1910 Extra Extra Old release, a 93-proof double-barreled bourbon aged for an additional 24 months. Bib & Tucker is launching Gold Roast Bourbon, a 6-year Tennessee Bourbon finished with whole roasted Arabica coffee beans using a cold extraction method. Frey Ranch Distillery is introducing its Five Grain Single Barrel Bourbon, made entirely with grains grown on their farm, with limited quantities available. Rebel Bourbon announces the annual release of its 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, a 100-proof wheated whiskey with a limited allocation hitting shelves this month. Great Jones Distilling Co. has released a new Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely from New York-grown grains, aged at least four years. Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council, a $1,499.99 ultra-premium, limited-edition bourbon using 19th-century techniques. The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is releasing the annual Old Grand-Dad 7-Year-Old Bonded Bourbon, barreled in spring 2018 at 100 proof. Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Straight Blended Whiskey is returning due to popular demand, combining 9-year bourbon and 7-year rye at 113 proof. Wyoming Whiskey is launching its National Parks: Acadia Edition, expanding its series with a Maine-exclusive bourbon supporting Acadia National Park. Barrell Craft Spirits is releasing Barrell Decade, a Black Label Series blend of whiskeys distilled from 1995-2005 and secondarily matured in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks. Jim Beam has announced Lineage Batch #2, a 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted by Fred and Freddie Noe, exclusively available at the Beam campus. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the topics I love to dive into on the show is retail. This is where the rubber meets the road because it's the telling sign if a brand or category is alive or dying. I'm excited to welcome Chris Blandford back on the show. He holds the title of Adult Beverage Field Specialist for Kroger. He’s right there on the front lines of consumer trends, and he’s got some amazing insights into the changing landscape of bourbon, and he's also the content development lead for the bourbon and culinary stage at Bourbon & Beyond, a music festival right here in Louisville you've heard us talk about before. We talk about evolving consumer tastes because there is a trend back towards lower proof whiskey and some hilarious stories about those high-potency THC infused drinks that are making waves. Chris also shares his inspiring personal journey of health transformation, which is a fantastic parallel to his work. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into the exciting experiences waiting for everyone at Bourbon & Beyond. Show Notes: Who is Chris Blandford and his role at Kroger? Insights on rising trends among bourbon consumers. Discussion on the interest in lower-proof, approachable bourbons. Unique bourbon blend produced for Bourbon & Beyond. Reactions to various bourbons tasted and discussed. Chris's health and fitness transformation journey. Kroger’s partnership significance with Bourbon & Beyond. Resources for aspiring bourbon distillers and entrepreneurs. Humorous exchanges surrounding bourbon experiences. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitz Spring 2025. This 9 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $130 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for July 11th 2025. New Riff Distilling has availability of 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon for Selections, Starlight Distillery is releasing its first ever 10-Year Bourbon, and Bardstown Bourbon Company has unveiled Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish.Show Notes: New Riff Distilling announces the availability of its 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon and Rye Selections for customer barrel picks. Heaven Hill Brands unveils a refreshed corporate brand identity with the tagline "Thriving Together" and opens a new Louisville office. LifeSciKY partners with New Riff Distilling for a limited-edition single-barrel bourbon, with proceeds funding new lab equipment. Maker's Mark collaborates with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation on a custom bourbon to celebrate the 2024 World Series and aid wildfire relief. The World Whiskey Society releases its 108-Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Shochu Barrels, dubbed the "Samurai Edition." Coppercraft Distillery introduces a new 9-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of sourced Indiana bourbons. Three Chord Bourbon launches "Volume 2" featuring new bottle designs with energetic concert photography. Booker’s Bourbon releases 'By The Pond Batch,' its second batch of the year, aged over 7 years at 126.5 proof. Starlight Distillery is set to release its first ever 10-Year Bourbon on July 26th, made with estate-grown grains. Castle & Key Distillery releases its Castle & Key 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon. Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish as its latest Distillery Reserve release. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Bourbon Pursuit, we've had our fair share of industry legends and rising stars, and we get to sit down again with someone who's name is plastered in the bourbon hall of fame. Bruce Russell joins us again to share how he is carving his own path at Wild Turkey but also honoring the incredible legacy of his father Eddie and grandfather Jimmy. Get ready for some great stories as Bruce opens up about growing up in the Wild Turkey family, his shift back from Texas, and how he's embraced product development, bringing exciting new high-proof offerings and their latest eight-year 101 proof bourbon to life. This episode takes a few different twists as we talk about blending blending, barrel selections, and how Wild Turkey's continual packaging changes. Plus, Bruce gives us an honest look at the challenges of being a public figure in the bourbon world, getting noticed wherever he goes, and gives you a list of his favorite Louisville dining spots. Show Notes: Bruce Russell’s family legacy and journey in bourbon. Transition to product development roles at Wild Turkey. Upcoming high-proof releases and their significance. The success of the eight-year-old 101 proof and its impact. Insights into barrel selection and blending practices. Navigating fame and personal life within the industry. Bruce's restaurant recommendations in Louisville. The importance of blending tradition with innovation. Upcoming projects and the future of Wild Turkey. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Silver Grove Bourbon from New Riff. This 4 year old bourbon is 110.3 proof and $56 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s This Week in Bourbon for July 4th 2025. Dark Arts Whiskey House has opened doors to their new brand home, Jackie Zykan is stepping away from Hidden Barn Bourbon, and Chattanooga Whiskey has two new experimental liqueurs.Show Notes: John Little is stepping away from Smooth Ambler to launch a spirits consulting and barrel brokering venture. Dark Arts Whiskey House is set to open its immersive brand home in Lexington on June 28, 2025. Jeff Hopmayer of Brindiamo Group has invested in Four Branches Bourbon. Constellation Brands, Brown-Forman, and Diageo are currently facing lawsuits regarding alleged misleading financial statements and product claims. J. Mattingly 1845's ownership is transferring to Gold Corn & Co., with Cameron Mattingly remaining in his production role. Jefferson's Bourbon partnered with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham's Cloud23 hot sauce to create the "Brooklyn23" rye cocktail, offering home kits. Michael Nanula is the new CEO of Three Chord Bourbon. Give 270 is launching the "Whiskey Wednesdays Round 16 - Colonel & Cash" raffle series from July 2 to Sept. 17. Jackie Zykan has departed Hidden Barn Bourbon, with Neeley Family Distillery continuing its production. The New York State Legislature passed a bill allowing restaurants and bars to purchase limited liquor inventory directly from stores.Matthew Lillard's Find Familiar Spirits is partnering with Manifest Distilling to launch Expansion Pack, a new service for craft spirits brands. Barrell Craft Spirits released Barrell Bourbon Batch 037, a new blended bourbon at 111.38 proof. Chattanooga Whiskey unveiled "Batch alpha": Intergalactic Comet Crusher, a bourbon liqueur, and Experimental Single Batch 044: Bourbon Barreled Limecello. Kentucky Owl is releasing Batch #13 Bourbon, the final blend by John Rhea, at 56.8% ABV. Heaven Hill is launching the Second Edition of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a barrel-proof, non-chill filtered release. Michter’s Distillery will release its 2025 Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon this July. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It takes us a while on the Bourbon Pursuit side to find a craft brand that has great whiskey and a great story. And when we get to bring someone on from the Centennial State, it's even better. We sit down with Al Laws, the guy behind Laws Whiskey House in Colorado. Laws is known for their four-grain bourbon, but Al's journey wasn't always in whiskey and he took some pivots from the world of finance and oil to get there. We dive deep into Al's whiskey-making philosophy and he shares some great stories about sourcing grains right there in Colorado and how they approach their flavor profiles. Of course, we're also going to talk about the business side of things, including the financial hurdles distilleries face, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Colorado was also on the forefront on the rise of cannibis and we talk about how Laws Whiskey House navigated through that boom in his area. Show Notes: Al Laws' transition from finance to whiskey The significance of Colorado's whiskey culture Crafting a unique four-grain bourbon at Laws Whiskey House Insights on flavor profiles and local grain sourcing Navigating the challenges of distillery business in evolving times The impact of new market competitors on whiskey sales Building community support and brand identity over 14 years Aging whiskey in Colorado's distinctive climate Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Fanged Pursuit from Orphan Barrel. This 17 year old bourbon is 92 proof and $200 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to ⁠Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand⁠ Another PursuitPalooza is in the books! Each year, the guys host a unique and immersive experience here in town for their listeners and fans. The event includes distillery tours, barrel picks, tastings, and social gatherings from relationships they’ve built over the years of running the podcast. This year, the event featured visits to Angel's Envy, Lux Row, and the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. Participants had the opportunity to taste rare and limited-edition whiskies, learn about the distillation process, and connect with fellow bourbon enthusiasts. The event also included a whole lot of Shebanging at the Pursuit HQ, as well as guests having their own Whiskey Quickie for Bourbon Pursuit from blind samples in the building. On today’s episode, we recap it all. P.club by Pursuit Spirits puts you in the inner circle. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive distillery-only releases, VIP access to live virtual tastings with Q&As, 10% off all merch and special perks. Whether you choose free doorstep delivery or distillery pickup, you’ll always be first in line for our newest drops. With a flexible cart and priority access to limited barrels, P.Club isn’t just a membership—it’s your all-access pass to Pursuit. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Come and see us on Mellwood! Be sure to visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@pursuitspirits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this dynamic episode of Bourbon Pursuit, we're pulling up a few extra chairs to the table for a killer panel discussion! Your host Kenny Coleman is wrangling some serious bourbon brains: Fred Minnick, Blake Seelbach, Eric from Breaking Bourbon, and Brian Sipp from Sip and Corn. We kick things off with a little banter about those inevitable tech glitches and distillation woes before diving deep into the real meat and potatoes: what does it really take to launch a bourbon brand today versus five years ago? Blake points out that while getting started might seem easier with more resources available, the true test of survival for any new brand hinges on smart distribution strategies in an ever-consolidating market. The crew digs into critical topics like consumer education, the art of storytelling, and how to even compete against the established giants out there. Fred brings his signature insight, emphasizing that today's consumers have evolving expectations – new brands have to deliver on both quality and effective marketing. The panel also explores how whiskey marketing itself is changing, agreeing that a compelling narrative is absolutely essential to stand out in this saturated market. We chew on the pros and cons of the direct-to-consumer model and even debate whether contract distillation is the smartest play for newcomers. As we wind down, Kenny leaves us with an encouraging thought: building a brand is tough, no doubt, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly rewarding. This episode is packed with insightful discussion, plenty of laughs, and is a must-listen for anyone who loves bourbon or dreams of launching their own brand. Show Notes: Who are the panelists that joined Kenny? Tips for improving tech setups for podcasts. Current challenges and opportunities in starting a bourbon brand. The importance of consumer education in the bourbon space. How to navigate distributor and retailer dynamics. The significance of storytelling for new whiskey brands. The benefits and pitfalls of a strong online presence. Insights on contract distillation as a pathway for newcomers. Future trends and predictions for the bourbon industry. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Bourbon. This 8 year old bourbon is 101 proof and $45 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s This Week in Bourbon for June 20th 2025. Whiskey House and The Koetter Group will build 12 state-of-the-art rickhouses, Maker's Mark has announced a new exhibition by contemporary artist Dale Chihuly, and Dierks Bentley is introducing ROW 94 Broken Branches.Show Notes: Bourbon & Beyond announces culinary and spirits lineup for 2025 festival. Whiskey House of Kentucky partners with Koetter Group to build 12 new K-RAX rickhouses. Former Oregon liquor head fined $1,500 for diverting rare bourbon. Give 270 to host Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 raffle featuring Booker's Single Barrel. High West Distillery partners with Luke Grimes for 'Protect the West' initiative. Green River Distilling Co. debuts U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Bourbon with airborne delivery. Maker's Mark announces Dale Chihuly art exhibition and expanded culinary program at Star Hill Farm. Old Forester launches new Bourbon-infused Cocktail Cherries. Blue Note Bourbon introduces its first Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey. Dierks Bentley's ROW 94 launches "Broken Branches" bourbon with unique "Branch Aging" process. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know, there are some people in the bourbon world who aren't just part of the industry, they are the industry. And our guest today absolutely fits that bill. We are incredibly excited to welcome the one and only Bernie Lubbers to the show, the newly appointed Ambassador Emeritus at Heaven Hill! Bernie started his journey with Heaven Hill back in 2005, and since then, he's basically rewritten the book on making bourbon fun and accessible through his incredible storytelling and humor. In this episode, Bernie takes us through his fascinating career, including his pivotal role in bringing bottled-in-bond back into the spotlight, how tasting events have evolved, and the impact of age statements on bourbon production. Get ready for some fantastic anecdotes as Bernie shares his passion for whiskey, why quality always comes first, and his take on current market trends, like the growing demand for older, stronger bourbons. Of course, we couldn't have Bernie without a tasting, so we're pouring Bernheim Barrel Proof and William Heaven Hill – a true celebration of unique whiskeys among friends. As he reflects on his new Ambassador Emeritus role and what "retirement" actually means for Bernie Lubbers, he gives us some amazing insights into the relationships and creativity that truly fuel the bourbon community. Plus, stick around for some exciting teasers of upcoming releases and Bernie's signature blend of whiskey education with a dash of bluegrass! Show Notes: His transition to Ambassador Emeritus at Heaven Hill and the journey that led him there. The revitalization of bottled-in-bond whiskey in modern bourbon culture. Navigating the complexities of age statements and consumer demand in the bourbon industry. The significance of storytelling and tasting events in enhancing whiskey appreciation. The evolution of consumer tastes towards barrel-proof whiskeys. Upcoming releases from Heaven Hill and the harmonious blend of bluegrass with whiskey storytelling. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frank August Case Study: 05 Wheated Bourbon. This 6-7 year old bourbon is 104.5 proof and $125 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 13th 2025. The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame announced new inductees, Bardstown Bourbon announces their new club program, and Stitzel-Weller Distillery is launching Stitzel Reserve.Show Notes: Rare Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year single barrel sells for $800,000, benefiting California wildfire relief. ASW Distillery expands with new bourbon releases, awards, and a new bar at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Kentucky Distillers’ Association announces 2025 Bourbon Hall of Fame inductees and Chris Morris's lifetime achievement award. University of Kentucky launches "Estate Whiskey Certified" program for locally-sourced, estate-produced whiskeys. Bardstown Bourbon Co. introduces "The Reserve," an exclusive whiskey club with curated allocations. Cannella Media DTC launches Wine, Watches & Whiskey, a new FAST channel for luxury lifestyle content. Remus Bourbon releases the ultra-limited 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve at $149.99. Buzzard’s Roost Distillery unveils "Ambuzzadors Select," a new 115-proof, five-year-old single-barrel rye for $85. Buffalo Trace Distillery introduces Eagle Rare 12, a 12-year-old, 95-proof bourbon at $49.99. Mugen Spirit releases the second barrel in its limited Yokai Series, a 141.8-proof expression called Tengu Series. Stitzel-Weller Distillery launches Stitzel Reserve, a new series of rare aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, with a 24-Year-Old available on-site. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Bourbon Pursuit, we always talk about the community aspect of whiskey, but rarely do we get to sit down with someone whose personal journey so deeply intertwines with building that community. That's why I was so excited to welcome Randy Sullivan to the show today. You might know him from Bourbon Real Talk or his brand, Prideful Goat. Randy shares a truly heartfelt story about how personal loss, specifically the passing of his brother, became a catalyst for him to create welcoming spaces for whiskey lovers. This conversation is packed with genuine moments – from hilarious reflections on his early days and the unique connections he's made, including how challenge coins got introduced into the scene! Randy is incredibly open about his own battles with mental health and the powerful impact the whiskey community has had on him. We also touch on the spontaneous journey behind co-founding Prideful Goat, focusing on quality and authenticity. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder from Randy about the warmth and support found in the whiskey community and the simple, yet profound, importance of connection and looking out for one another Show Notes: Randy Sullivan's heartfelt journey in whiskey The impactful role of Jack Daniels in his life Founding Someone Say Whiskey and fostering positivity The concept of "challenge coins" in whiskey networking Navigating mental health dialogues within the whiskey community The inception of Prideful Goat and its core values The power of relationships and cherished memories through whiskey Randy's uplifting message about love and support for the community Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Angel's Envy Cellar Collection Volume 5. This non-age stated rye whiskey is 104.2 proof and $270 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for June 6th 2025. Lisa Wicker joins Whiskey Thief, Binder’s Stash announced a partnership with Willett Distillery, and Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond is officially releasedShow Notes: Lisa Roper Wicker joins Whiskey Thief Distilling Company as Director of Distilling. "Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations Inspired by the Master of Suspense" cocktail book by Laurence Maslon available July 29, 2025. Mellow Moments Club Hub launches for member benefits and updates. Sazerac debuts Legacy de Forge, a global e-commerce platform for rare spirits. Republic National Distributing Company to exit California by September 2, 2025. Binder’s Stash partners with Willett Distillery for access to inventory and bottling. Four Roses releases 15yr OBSF for Father's Day. Heaven Hill releases Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof. 15 STARS releases Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye at 95 proof. Old Forester President’s Choice Bourbon and new President’s Choice Rye now available nationwide. Castle & Key and Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild release "The Untold Story of Kentucky Whiskey Chapter 4" at 104 proof. Derby City Gaming releases The Great Gambit, a 16-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 122.22 proof. Lost Lantern announces Summer 2025 Collection of estate blends and single casks. Wyoming Whiskey launches Buffalo Bill Cody, a 6-year, 97 proof, Wyoming-exclusive bourbon. RD1 Spirits introduces Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak at 102 proof. High West releases The Prisoner’s Share, bourbon and rye finished in red wine barrels. Penelope Bourbon debuts Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 at 101 proof. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk a lot about rarity, allocated bottles, and market prices on this show, but what about the bottles that mean something more? What about the ones that aren't worth a fortune on paper, but hold irreplaceable memories? That's the topic we're diving into today in a really special episode featuring myself, Ryan, and Fred Minnick. Prompted by a listener asking about the significance of bottles beyond their monetary worth, we each opened up our personal collections – not just the unicorns, but the bottles tied to moments in our lives. You'll hear some incredibly personal stories, from Ryan saving a specific bottle for his son's future birthday, to my own reflections on a signed Maker's Mark from my college days, and Fred sharing the significance of a Maker's 46 sample straight from Bill Samuels himself. It's a reminder that while the hunt and the hype are fun, the true value of bourbon often lies in the memories made and the connections shared over a glass. We get into the culture of trading and even touch on the financial side, but ultimately, this conversation is all about the joy, the nostalgia, and the heartfelt connections that make these bottles truly priceless to us. Show Notes: Emotional connections tied to bourbon collections. Personal anecdotes behind treasured bottles. The significance of sharing experiences over rare finds. Fred’s humorous caution about revealing bottle names. Ryan’s Rowan's Creek bottle for his son's future birthday celebration. Kenny’s college memories associated with a signed Maker's Mark. Insights into bourbon trading and its emotional rewards. Celebrating connections formed through memorable bourbon experiences. Candid discussions about the financial aspects of collecting. Reflecting on the joy of bourbon journeys and friendships. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices