Bourbon Pursuit-logo

Bourbon Pursuit

Food & Cooking Podcasts

The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.

Location:

United States

Description:

The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.

Language:

English


Episodes

TWiB: A Brewer Sues Government To Distill as a Hobby, Chattanooga Batch 037: Ancient Wheat, Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish

3/15/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for March 15th 2024. A brewer in Ohio is suing the federal government saying he should be able to distil as a hobby, Chattanooga is releasing DISCOVER EXPERIMENTAL BATCH 037: ANCIENT WHEAT!, and Limestone Branch Distillery has announced the second release in its Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection: Yellowstone Rum Cask FinishShow Notes: Should the government be able to stop you from making whiskey? Buzzard’s Roost Ambuzzador Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon Chattanooga is releasing Discover Experimental Batch 037: Ancient Wheat Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish @buzzardsroostwhiskey @chattwhiskey @rebelbourbon @yellowstonebourbon Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:00:34:54

453 - Will Horses Help Sell a Bottle? with Sean Josephs of Pinhook

3/14/2024
The platform of this podcast was to help connect listeners to the brands they see on the store shelves. As time has gone on, sometimes we discover there really isn't much substance to a brand. But today's guest is the very opposite. I found myself enthralled with our guests history in the culinary world and what he's doing to make his whiskey be one that many can appreciate from the liquid to the blending. Sean Josephs is the Co-Founder & Master Blender behind Pinhook. You know all those bottles with race horses on the label and different colored wax. Sean talks about getting his start in restaurants, grinding it out, and eventually working at some of the world's premier establishments and becoming such a decorated wine sommelier that he would be considered famous by those standards. Consider me a bit star struck by the time this episode is over. Then he finds a new passion in bourbon and opens up one of the first ever whiskey bars in Brooklyn and eventually left to start Pinkhook bourbon. Sean's passion comes through and we learn the secret decoder ring to knowing more about all his Pinhook bottles and what's in store for the future. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about adding water to high proof whiskey. What's your background and how did you get into bourbon? As a somm, do you remember the most epic wine? Was starting a whiskey bar in 2008 in Brooklyn a bold move? Were barrel selections becoming popular for restaurants in 2016? What made you want to stop doing bars and restaurants and start the whiskey brand? Can you explain the packaging and colors and how they work? What makes your whiskey special and what are you doing there? How long do you think you'll have enough whiskey to keep your projects going? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:12:51

Whiskey Quickie: New Riff Bohemian Wheat Bourbon Review

3/12/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review New Riff Bohemian Wheat Bourbon. This 8 year old bourbon is 117.9 proof and $70 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.

Duration:00:04:20

TWiB: National Buzzard's Day Is a Thing, Old Forester High Angel's Share, Pursuit Releases United Double Oaked Bourbon

3/8/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for March 8th 2024. National Buzzard's Day is a thing, Old Forester releases High Angel's Share, and Pursuit Spirits finally releases their long awaited United Double Oaked Bourbon.Show Notes: March 15 is National Buzzards Day Ohio Liquor Goes Irish Old Forester High Angels’ Share Milam & Greene 2024 Wildlife Collection, the Golden Eagle Single Barrel Bourbon New Riff Distilling 8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Woodford Reserve 2024 commemorative Derby bottle 15 STARS First West Rye Whiskey and 8&15 YO Private Stock Fine Aged Bourbon The Perfect Fifth 14-year-old American Whiskey Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Peerless Toasted Bourbon - Batch 1 @buzzardsroostwhiskey @ohioliquor @oldforester @milamandgreenewhiskey @newriff @woodfordreserve @15starsbourbon @michterswhiskey @kentuckypeerless @theperfectfifth @bourbon_colonel86 Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:00:32:38

452 - Is the Bourbon Boom Over? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #91

3/7/2024
Is the bourbon boom really over? Some people think it may. Fred Minnick recently touched on this subject and people began talking about their ideas and buying habits. We wanted to tackle that by touching on publicly traded companies, heresay from our own experience, and if we truly think craft and NDPs are in trouble. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about international market not working. Publicly traded companies like Diego and Brown Forman. Consumers buying mainstays. Retailers are cautious about new brands. International markets. Economic impacts Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:13:09

Whiskey Quickie: Fireside Hazmat Proof Bourbon Review

3/5/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Fireside Hazmat Proof Bourbon. This 6 year old bourbon is 141.2 proof and $65 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.

Duration:00:04:28

TWiB: Brown‑Forman Sells Its Jack Daniel Cooperage, WSWA Says Premiumization is Dead, Lost Lantern Releases the Spring 2024 Collection

3/1/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for March 1st 2024. Brown‑Forman Corporation has sold its Jack Daniel Cooperage to Independent Stave Company, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America say that premiumization is dead, and Lost Lantern releases their Spring 2024 collection.Show Notes: Brown‑Forman Corporation has sold its Jack Daniel Cooperage The Ripken Experience Maker's Mark labels for inspirational woman Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has opened a whiskey lodge in Aspen Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America say that premiumization is dead Justins’ has sued Kentucky ABC Kentucky lawmakers are moving to close loopholes in the Vintage Distilled Spirits law FC Dallas partnership with Campari America Kentucky Bourbon Festival ticket sale dates Jaywalk Straight Rye Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing City Series Singapore Edition Lost Lantern Spring 2024 collection Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 52nd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin Still Austin Whiskey Co Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey Total Eclipse Kentucky Straight Bourbon McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and Garrison Bros Whiskey Pecan & Pralines @jackdaniels_us @brownforman @makersmark @stranahans @fcdallas @campariusa @wildturkey @longbranchbourbon @kybourbonfest @lostlanternwhiskey @evanwilliamsbourbon @ewbourbonexperience @stillatx @caseyjonesdistillery @garrisonbros @mcconnellsicecreams Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:03:52

451 - Is There a Real White Oak Shortage? with Danna Baxley of The Nature Conservancy

2/29/2024
The barrel is a magical component to the creation of bourbon and nearly 95% of all bourbon goes into white oak. But what's the problem with this? Bourbon can only be used in a charred barrel once. After that, it needs to find a new home. Now that may sound wasteful but the bourbon market is only a very small contributor to the current white oak problem. To help us better understand about forestry and the white oak supply I've invited Daana Baxley from the Nature Conservancy in Kentucky to join the show. She gives some great insight into the current state of white oak trees and what is currently being done to protect our forests. I've never known what it takes to manage forests and this episode will give you an insight into grading and how invasive species of trees continue to decline the white oak population. But more so, Daana gives us some insight if we will ever experience a white oak shortage in the future and what we can do to help protect it. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about running out of old bourbon. What took you on a path to nature preservation? How are you able to achieve your mission without using scare tactics? Why is Appalachia so important? What does "protection" mean in the sense of a nature conservancy? What is the current status of the white oak species? What is the proper way to manage these forests? What does high grading mean? How has ash or maple impacted the population? How many years into the future are we looking at when we will see a big white oak problem? Is the bourbon industry a problem or is there another industry to blame? Do bourbon drinkers even care if there is sustainability practices happening? Do other industries join in conversation practices like the white oak initiative? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:00:46

Whiskey Quickie: Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #12 Review

2/27/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Jack Daniel's Distillery Series #12 Tennessee Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks. This non-age stated whiskey is 90 proof and $42 MSRP (375mL). 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.

Duration:00:03:47

Behind The Pursuit: What is Left to Innovate?

2/23/2024
Subscribe to Behind The Pursuit: From Bourbon to Brand On today’s show we discuss the topic of innovation in the bourbon industry and explore the different ways brands differentiate their products. We question whether there is anything left to innovate and the reasons consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys. The conversation touches on the marketing strategies of brands and the perception of American finished whiskeys compared to other products such as Scotch whisky. We also discuss the potential for future innovations and trends in the industry. We hit on: The bourbon industry has seen a proliferation of finished whiskeys as a way for brands to differentiate their products. Consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys because they are marketed as unique and innovative. Do you think brands see these as products missing in the market, or is it a way to grab new consumers? There is still room for innovation in the use of different types of oak and wood influences in bourbon production. The perception and marketing of finished whiskeys differ between bourbon and Scotch whisky. Future innovations in the industry may involve exploring new flavors and blending techniques. and much more. 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.

Duration:00:36:45

450 - Is American Single Malt On The Rise? with Steve Hawley, President of American Single Malt Whiskey Commission

2/22/2024
There's a few things we talk about from time to time on the show. Sometimes it's RTDs, sometimes it's tequlia, and one spirit that seems to make it's way into more conversations is American Single Malt whiskey. However, I told myself that if we're going to talk about American Single Malt whiskey then we need a person that can really go indepth. What better person than Steve Hawley who is the President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. Steve joins the show to talk about his background starting Westland Distillery and then formed the commission. We talk about the growth of the category, production methods, exports, and it's current journey to being recognized by the rest of the world. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the effect of climate change. How did you get into the whiskey business? If barley grows so well then why isn't there a history of it? What is the importance of trying to make American Single Malt an approved category? How did you become the president of the commission? How have case sales grown from 2010 till today? Is the SMWC analogous to DISCUS or KDA? What is the proposed definition of American Single Malt and what's the current status of it? What rules were valid versus ones that seemed really weird? Why do people prefer pot still for single malt production? When a heritage brand creates a single malt like Jim Beam and Heaven Hill, does this hurt or help? Are American Single Malt producers starting to look at exports instead of domestic education? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:04:12

Whiskey Quickie: Hemingway Rye Signature Edition Review

2/20/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hemingway Rye Signature Edition. This non-age stated rye is 102 proof and $80 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.

Duration:00:04:00

TWiB: Bulleit and Redemption Are Back in Court, MGP Sues the Town of Williamstown, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Announced

2/16/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for February 16th 2024. Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brands are back at it in court, MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky, and Woodford Reserve has released its annual limited-edition, high-proof expression Woodford Reserve Batch Proof.Show Notes: Woodford Reserve teams up with Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemb for fashion Bulleit and Redemption whiskey brand are back at it in court Staghorn has named Lisa Wicker as the first Master Distiller MGP is suing the city of Williamstown, Kentucky Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bulleit American Single Malt High n’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Chattanooga Whiskey Barrel Finishing Series: White Port Cask Finished Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop @woodfordreserve @bulleit @redemptionwhiskey @chattwhiskey @drdre @snoopdogg Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:00:41:18

449 - Ed Bley is Back with Old Stubborn Whiskey

2/15/2024
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we finally see the re-emergence of Ed Bley. Ed has been a previous guest on the podcast that was from way back in 2018. So if you just started listening to Bourbon Pursuit, then you probably have no idea of the impact Ed had on the bourbon world during that time. Ed went into hiding and went on a mission to bring some new whiskey to the world and he's now back presenting his new line called Old Stubborn. We talk about his background in blending and the journey he took from working at Cork N Bottle, picking barrels, and being a big influence in the larger bourbon community to losing hope on building a distillery and then quickly pivoting to find whiskey that wasn't available on the open market. This is one of the most anticipated interviews for many of you long-time listeners so enjoy this episode with Ed Bley. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about sustainability and new oak barrels. What is your background and what were you doing on the retail side? How often do you reject barrels during a barrel selection? Can you give some background on Old Baldy? Why would you want to leave a comfortable position to do your own thing? Why would you want to start a distillery versus sourcing barrels? How did you search for whiskey to use? Why did you call the whiskey Old Stubborn? Is there a reason why you put the word "old" on your bottles? Can you talk about how you ended up on the bottle? What went into this first release? How did the conversations start to acquire your whiskey stocks? Is this high price a sustainable business model? What does your product strategy look like? What is your plan for distribution and expansion? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:06:25

Whiskey Quickie: Heart of Mystic Bourbon Review

2/13/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Heart of Mystic Bourbon. This 3 year old bourbon is 114.6 proof and $40 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.

Duration:00:04:18

TWiB: 2023 Bourbon Economic Impact Study, Bardstown Bourbon Company's “House of Bardstown", Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year

2/9/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for February 9th 2024. 2023 Bourbon Economic Impact Study is out, Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown," and Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon.Show Notes: 2023 Bourbon Economnic Impact Study is out. Bardstown Bourbon Company introduces the “House of Bardstown" Old Forester named Caleb Trigo as Assistant Master Distiller Distilled Living is an Official Sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Bourbon Strong 50-4-50 charity raffle Distilled in Washington, A History new book Will the Apple Vision Pro change the drinks industry forever? The Fielder’s Choice Collection Four Gate Triple Oak Puncher’s Chance THE UNIFIED BELT Jack Daniel's Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Path of Totality Bourbon Whiskey Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A124 Penelope Bourbon Tokaji Cask Finish Kentucky Old Fashioned Bourbon Barrel Ale Heaven Hill releases Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Bourbon @bardstownbourbonco @oldforester @distilledliving @give270 @jriegerco @fourgatewhiskey @puncherschancebourbon @jackdaniels_us @haynerdistilling @elijahcraig @penelopebourbon @heavenhilldistillery @heavenhillbrands @alltechbrews Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:00:54:38

448 - When Does An Age Statement Matter? on Bourbon Community Roundtable #90

2/8/2024
Whether it's 2 or 12 years old, the age statement on a bottle seems to be an attractor to many. But as we start diving more into our bourbon journey we start realizing that age is just a number. I've had some really great bourbons at 4 years old and some really great at 14. With all that being said, at what point should you proudly display that age statement on the bottle? In this roundtable, we dive into this topic and look at the history of age statements and when we started paying attention to them. There's also brands that have a lot of success without an age statement like Maker's Mark and most of the Buffalo Trace portfolio. And now that the modern bourbon consumer has been accustom to seeing age statements, would you pass on a bottle just because it said 4 years old on it? Show Notes: bove the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about people hating Buffalo Trace products. When Does An Age Statement Matter? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:15:13

Whiskey Quickie: Nelson Brothers Rye Review

2/6/2024
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Nelson Brothers Rye. This non-age stated rye is 92.5 proof and $37 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.

Duration:00:04:14

TWiB: Elijah Craig and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Southern Glazer’s Sued By Provi, Buzzard’s Roost American Whiskey

2/2/2024
It's This Week in Bourbon for February 2nd 2024. Eijah Craig returns as the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi, and Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey.Show Notes: ReserveBar partners with delivery.com Old Forester featured in Argylle Southern Glazer’s is being sued by online platform Provi Elijah Craig is the Official Bourbon of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Buzzard’s Roost introduces their American Whiskey @reservebarspirits @oldforester @deliverdotcom @oldforester @elijahcraig @buzzardsroostwhiskey Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:00:35:15

447 - The Economics of the Used Barrel Market with Ben and Jess Loseke of Midwest Barrel Company

2/1/2024
We're all too familiar with the barrel and it's impact on whiskey but what about it's life after whiskey? Actually, there's quite a lot. These barrels can be used for aging other spirits, beer, furniture, bbq smoking chips, the list is endless. But did you ever stop to think how those used barrels go from one man's trash to another man's treasure? Well, there's one company that has made a name for themselves and that's Midwest Barrel Company. Ben and Jessica Loseke join the show to talk about how Ben got into the used barrel business and the economics behind it. If you ever find yourself glued to an episode of Storage Wars or Pawn Stars, you'll love to hear how Ben stumbled into used barrels and everything else he tried to flip in the process. Today, Midwest Barrel Company is brokering tons of used bourbon barrels and talks about how he develops his sales pipeline and acquires new customers. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about price and quality opinions. How did you discover a business in used barrels? Do you remember for you first big score? Did you ever get in legal trouble buying and flipping stuff? What year did you buy your first barrels? How many empty barrels can you fit on a full truck? Who were your main customers? How did you figure out how to scale this business? How hard was it to let go of certain aspects of the business? How do you find new suppliers and new customers? Is this considered commodity trading? Is this a cutthroat industry where you are overbidding others? How fast can you turn around a barrel once you receive it? What are you doing when you steam a barrel? What other things are people making with barrels? How do you know what your pipeline looks like for sales and purchasing? Support this podcast on Patreon

Duration:01:05:16