Bourbon Lens

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Canale, Founder of Old Dominick Distillery, and David Valentine, the Memphis Distillery's Head Distiller and Lead Blender. The conversation dives into the revival of a family legacy, Old Dominick’s approach to crafting Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, and the innovation behind their Cask Strength Bourbon, Bottled in Bond Tennessee W...

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott are joined by world-renowned bartender and cocktail pioneer Charles Joly. A James Beard Award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Crafthouse Cocktails, Charles brings decades of experience to the table, from co-creating The Aviary in Chicago to elevating the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail game.

We dive into:

• Cocktail fundamentals for hom...

Sagamore Spirit Ushers in a New Era with Maryland-Made Rye Whiskey.

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott sit down with Clint Spotleson, Global Advocacy & Engagement Manager at Sagamore Spirit, to talk all things Maryland Rye. The conversation marks an exciting new phase for the Baltimore-based distillery as it moves forward with its first Maryland-distilled rye whiskeys.

We discu...

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with Rick Franco, Co-Founder of Four Branches Bourbon, and their newly appointed Strategic Advisor, Master Distiller Gregg Snyder. The conversation explores the brand’s ties to military service, its approach to bourbon, and its expanding product lineup.

We dive into Four Branches’ signature Founder's Blend, a complex four grain bourbon, and what sets it apa...

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott take the podcast on the road to Loretto, Kentucky, home of the iconic Maker’s Mark Distillery. Recorded on-site, we sit down with Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller, and Beth Buckner, Lead Blender, to dive deep into the storied past and exciting future of the Maker’s Mark brand.

Together, we explore how Maker’s Mark continues to honor its traditional root...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Jason Johnstone-Yellin, co-founder of Single Cask Nation, to explore the world of independent bottling. Jason shares the story behind the brand, the art of selecting unique casks, and how Single Cask Nation builds transparency and trust with its community of whisky lovers.

From Scotch to American Whiskey and beyond, Jason discusses how Sing...

In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott raise a glass to Frey Ranch Distillery as they unveil the 10th Anniversary Harvester Series. The duo dives into the history of Frey Ranch, explores the innovation behind this milestone release, and shares stories from years of collaboration and friendship with the Frey Ranch team.

Listeners will get an inside look at what makes Frey Ranch...

Jake travels down 1-64 to Lexington to see the new RD1 Distillery Brand Home. While there, he sits down with co-founder and National Brand Ambassador Barry Brinegar. Sit back and buckle into the latest episode of the bourbon lens.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you’re there. 

We are thankful for your support over the last 6 years. We must give the bigge...

In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake sits down with one of the original ultra premium bourbons: Joseph A Magnus.  We are joined by CEO of Craft Co Ali Anderson and world renowned blender Nancy Fraley.  You won’t want to miss this episode as we unpack the history of Joseph Magnus, Murray Hill Club and the original Cigar Blend.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review w...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott dive into the growing trend of tequila cask-finished American Whiskeys. The conversation highlights three standout new bottles: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Tequila Cask Finish, Blood Oath Pact 11, and Woodinville Tequila Finished Bourbon.  It's the perfect podcast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

The hosts explore how finishing bourbon in t...

In our latest episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake travels to Bardstown to sit down with John Rempe, Master Distiller of Lux Row. During the interview the distillery was electric as their Front Row members were awaiting some of the first sips of the new Blood Oath Pact 11 release.  Our conversation centered around the new bourbon finished in anejo Tequila barrels. However, there is a lot happening at the distillery as the...

In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down one-on-one with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist at Barrell Craft Spirits. This in-depth conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most innovative non-distilling producers (NDPs) in American whiskey.

The Art of Blending at Barrell Craft Spirits

Tripp unpacks what sets Barrell apart in a crowded whisk...

In this week’s episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott take you inside their exclusive VIP private blending experience at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. From hands-on barrel sampling to creating custom bourbon blends, this immersive experience is a must for any whiskey enthusiast.

A special thanks goes out to Amy Preske for arranging this memorable day, and to Dakota and the entire J. Mattingly te...

In this latest episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake sits down with Julie Macklowe, the founder of The MACKLOWE, known as the first luxury American Single Malt Whiskey. During the episode, they taste both the American Single Malt and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey releases from The MACKLOWE, discussing the unique qualities that set these spirits apart in the world of whiskey.

Julie shares her insights...

In this  episode of Bourbon Lens, hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Augusta Distillery’s master distiller, Alex Castle. Alex shares the story of her journey to Augusta after her time at Old Dominick Distillery in Tennessee, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her transition and the innovative direction she's taking Augusta Distillery.

During the conversation,...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, host Jake sits down with Mason Walker and Clay Risen from Bourbon Lore®, a unique community of bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs built around a shared love for the best American whiskey has to offer. Together, they discuss the history of bourbon, delving into its origins, the iconic figures behind its rise, and the enduring legacy that has made it one of Ame...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott take a trip to the new location of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in the heart of NuLu, Louisville. We sit down with Walter Zausch to learn about the distillery’s exciting new space and what visitors can expect when they visit either of their locations. From the one-of-a-kind experience of thieving unique whiskies directly from the barrel to the vibrant a...

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we take a trip to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Whisky Row, located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. We sit down with two of Heaven Hill’s finest, Bernie Lubbers and Adam Edwards, to dive deep into the world of Bottled in Bond.

As one of the most significant designations in the bourbon industry, Bottled in Bond holds a special place at Heaven Hill. Bernie a...

In this special episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott dive into an exciting new release from Bulleit Whiskey – their first-ever Bottled-in-Bond bourbon expression. In honor of Bottled in Bond Day (March 3), we're joined by Courtney King.  Courtney is the Distillery Manager at Bulleit Distillery and she joins us to share insights on the distilling process, the importance of the Bottle...