Bourbon Lens

Welcome to the debut of Whisk(e)y Lens, a new monthly spotlight where we step outside the Bluegrass State to take a global view of the spirits world. In this inaugural episode, host Jake takes a deep dive into the rugged landscapes and storied distilleries of Scotland.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the "smoke" or confused by the regions, this episode is your roadmap. We aren’t just talking about Scotch; we are exploring the dee...

Is Tequila just for margaritas, or is it the next frontier for the serious whiskey collector? This Cinco de Mayo, we’re joined by Luigi Rodriguez, Tears of Llorona national brand ambassador. We dive into why this bottle is frequently called the "Pappy of Tequila," exploring the high-altitude agave farming, the legendary triple-barrel aging process (Scotch, Sherry, and Brandy).

#CincoDeMayo2026 #PremiumTequila #AgaveLove #MexicanHeri...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott celebrate the peak of the horse racing calendar and the "May the Fourth" crossover. The guys dive deep into the high-stakes world of spirits business, covering the recently terminated merger talks between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman, while speculating on Sazerac’s massive cash bid for the Jack Daniel’s owner.

We also explore the innovation side of the industry, from Diageo’s sta...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Damon Thayer, former Kentucky State Senate Majority Floor Leader and co-owner of Kentucky Senator Bourbon. We dive into the fascinating revival of this historic brand, which originally dates back to the pre-Prohibition era and is now carving out a unique niche by pairing high-quality, aged spirits with the rich political history of the Bluegrass State.

Damon shares the brand’s mi...

The spirits industry is at a crossroads. As consumer preferences shift toward intentional drinking and premiumization, the old playbook for craft distilleries is being rewritten. In this episode of The Bourbon Lens, we dive into the evolving market dynamics of 2026 and why the most successful brands are ditching national expansion to own their home state first.

We break down the critical importance of product differentiation and why...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the massive world of Non-Distilling Producers (NDPs) and Independent Bottlers. While many bourbon fans prioritize "grain-to-glass," some of the most innovative and prestigious bottles on the market today come from those who don't actually own a still.

We break down the technical distinctions between an NDP and an Independent Bottler, the importance of transparency in labeling, and why sou...

\In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Will Woodington, Director of Brand Engagement for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to celebrate a massive milestone: 170 years of "The Famous Old Brand."

We dive deep into the brand’s resurgence, starting with their striking new bottle design and the highly anticipated release of their Wheated Bourbon. Will takes us through a guided tasting, explaining how the wheat profile changes the gam...

Get ready for the return of Louisville's premier bourbon and food celebration! In this episode, we dive deep into the logistics and planning behind Pig and Swig at 4th Street Live!. From the massive infrastructure of the district's 25,000 sq. ft. canopied roof to the curated "Allocation Station" featuring rare pours, we explore how this event transforms downtown Louisville into a bourbon lover's paradise.

We also discuss the revital...

While the bourbon community is currently hunting for the latest Jack Daniel’s 10, 12, and 14-year batches, a massive corporate storm is brewing that could reshape the industry forever. In this episode, Jake and Scott dive into the rumored merger between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman. What happens to an American icon like Jack Daniel’s when it faces the prospect of foreign ownership? We explore the tension between global scale and ...

What does it take to turn a historic whiskey brand into a modern, immersive destination? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Zaborowski, Director of Brand Experience for Chicken Cock Whiskey, to explore the art of storytelling through spirits.

From the rustic charm of the brand home in Bardstown to the high-energy vibe of the Nulu Marketplace, Emily reveals the strategy behind creating world-class cocktail programs and unique gu...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we dive deep into the art of the blind tasting—where labels don’t matter and your palate tells the real story. We kick things off with a rigorous bourbon tasting and analysis, breaking down complex flavor profiles and sharing our unfiltered tasting notes. From there, the conversation shifts into personal anecdotes and reflections, featuring the lighthearted banter and behind-the-scenes stories y...

The conversation delves into the world of Scotch whisky, exploring the unique distilleries, flavor profiles, and aging processes. It provides insights into the history of Campbeltown distilleries, the distinct characteristics of Scotch whisky regions, and the innovative approaches to whiskey production. The whiskey tasting sessions offer a deep dive into the flavors and complexities of Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond whiskies, highligh...

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What does it take to build an organic, grain-to-glass distillery in the heart of the White Mountains? In this episode of the Bourbon Lens, we sit down with Chris Burke, co-founder and master distiller of Cathedral Ledge Distillery, to explore the intersection of organic distillation and historic standards.

Chris pulls back the curtain on the "Bottled-in-Bond Act" and explains why this 1897 quality standard is the backbone...

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In this episode of the Thursday Thoughts with Bourbon Lens, we step outside the world of whiskey to explore the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Pezuña Blanca Tequila. Named after the legendary horse with a single white hoof—a symbol of balance and good fortune—this brand is redefining premium agave spirits through tradition and sustainability.

We dive deep into the volcanic soils of the Amatitán Valley at NO...

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What happens when you combine the high-altitude climate of Colorado with a scientific approach to barrel maturation? In this episode, we sit down with Ben Rosen, co-founder of Onyx and Amber, to discuss their meteoric rise and recent wins at the World Whiskies Awards.

Ben pulls back the curtain on their "guest blender" philosophy and explains why small-batch variation isn't just a byproduct of craft distilling—it...

How did High West Distillery evolve from a small Utah blending house into one of the most innovative names in American whiskey? In this educational deep-dive interview, Isaac Winter shares exclusive insights into High West’s 20-year journey—revealing the blending philosophy, mash bill strategies, barrel experiments, and proofing techniques that define the brand today.

From early craft beginnings to developing in-house distillate and...

Winter whiskey should do more than warm you up — it should transform the entire experience.

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott explore how seasonal changes influence flavor perception, bottle selection, and the way we enjoy whiskey during colder months. From rich, layered bourbons to spicy ryes and innovative cask finishes, they break down what truly makes a whiskey “winter-ready.”

You’ll hear tasting notes and discussio...

Most bourbon fans have overlooked one of the most nuanced finishing trends sweeping American whiskey—until now. In this episode of Five Minute Fridays, we explore Rabbit Hole Distillery’s Sucrule Maple Burle Cask Finished Bourbon and break down why this innovative release is redefining what a winter finish can be.

Crafted from a four-grain triple malt mash bill and bottled at 106.9 proof, Sucrule showcases how thoughtful finishing c...

Winter is the perfect time to explore the bold, layered world of finished whiskies. In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott dive into the finishes that shine in colder months—from rich maple casks and decadent sherry barrels to spice-forward rye and stout finishes. Learn how finishing methods transform aroma, texture, and flavor, turning an everyday pour into a warm seasonal ritual.

We discuss why maple and sherry finishes a...