Bourbon Lens
Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky’s native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions.
Episodes
We sit down with our friend, Zach Johnston, of Blackwood Distilling Co. Zach is currently the Chief Business Officer of International Sales for Blackwood. We discuss Zach’s background in the spirits world, including his time writing for UPROXX and judging spirits competitions. Zach is tasked with growing Blackwood to the next level as they grow their portfolio from ultra-limited edition releases to gain a broader audie...
Jake travels to Lebanon KY to visit Limestone Branch and see the new Stephen B. Beam Tasting Lodge. He’s joined by Master Distiller, Stephen Beam, and Stephen Fante, Brand Ambassador for Limestone Branch. They discuss the new facility, the single barrel program, and growing the Yellowstone Whiskey brand. Don’t miss this episode.
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Our guest today is Shane Fitzharris for Templeton Distillery in Iowa. Shane is the Senior VP for Commercial for Infinium Spirits, owner of the Templeton Distillery and brands. We discuss the next chapter in Templeton’s history as they recently released their first spirit distilled in-house; Fortitude Straight Iowa Bourbon. We discuss the history of the brand, their revival of the brand, and how they sourced a very ...
Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman’s Director of Global Environmental Sustainability. With responsibility over the company’s diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas within the supply chain and beyond where they can implement green init...
Jake is joined by Brian Nation to talk about Keeper’s Heart Whiskey and catch up since his first appearance back in Bourbon Lens Episode 153. Keeper’s Heart is a unique blend of Irish Whiskeys and American Whiskeys. Bringing together two unique distilling traditions, O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. and Keeper’s Heart are led by industry legend, Master Distiller Brian Nation, previously of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton...
Jake and Scott are talking about bourbons that are perfect for special occasions. As we head into Derby season here in the Bluegrass State and the upcoming Kentucky Derby 150, we couldn't help but think that it would be a perfect event to crack open some special bottles. We discuss some advice on finding a special bottle to celebrate an occasion, event, or a special person. The best part is, a special occasion pour doesn’t alway...
Jake and Scott sit down with the two newest Batches of the Jack Daniel's Aged Series of Tennessee Whiskey. These include Batch 2 of the 12 Year and Batch 3 of the 10 Year. How do they stack up and are they worth the hunt? Find out in today's episode!
The Jack Daniel Distillery recently announced the release of Batch 2 of its 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and Batch 3 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey....
The worlds of Bourbon and NASCAR collide in this week’s episode of Bourbon Lens. Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe from Lux Row Distillers talk all things Rebel Bourbon. For the first time ever, Kyle’s #8 Chevy Camaro is fully wrapped in Rebel Bourbon branding this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series in Richmond. We discuss the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch, the importance of sponsor...
Our guest this week is Aaron Harris, Head Distiller at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro Kentucky. Aaron is tasked with stewarding this historic distillery and ensuring its presence as a modern whiskey powerhouse. We discuss Aaron’s background in whiskey, distillery operations, their latest release of Green River Straight Rye Whiskey, and his goals for the brand in the future. Check out this week’s insightful e...
We’re joined by Murphy Quint, Master Distiller for Cedar Ridge Distillery. Located in Swisher Iowa, Cedar Ridge Distilley is producing a variety of whiskies, including their Iowa Bourbon and American Single Malts, which we taste in this episode. We discuss QuintEssential American Single Malt, QuintEssential Portside, Barrel Proof Bourbon, and Double Barrel Bourbon.
We’re on location at Whiskey House with two of its co-founders, David Mandell and John Hargrove. Located in Elizabethtown Kentucky, Whiskey House is heading into the final stages of construction and plans to be the most sophisticated, technically advanced producer of custom bourbon and American whiskey in the United States. We learn about their plans to satisfy a unique need in the whiskey world and potentially disrupt...
Friends and co-Founders, Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan, join Bourbon Lens in this week’s podcast. We’re talking Oaklore Distilling Co. in Matthews, NC. Tom and Matt started like most whiskey hobbyists do, with tasting nights in their basements and at their bars, but quickly developed their passion into a brand and now distillery. Located in North Carolina, Oaklore is looking to embrace its community as it grows its ...
For the first time in 4 years, Chattanooga Whiskey founder Tim Piersant rejoins Bourbon Lens to catch up with the guys. Chattanooga Whiskey is a homegrown company that makes a unique style of whiskey in Tennessee; they call it Tennessee High Malt. They focus on unique and malted grains for their Mashbills and release a lineup of solid whiskeys as their standard offerings as well as their more limited runs. Whether it...
Our guest this week is Kyle Merklein, Master Distiller for Holladay Distillery. Based in Weston, Missouri, Holladay Distillery made a splash in the bourbon world when they released a 6 Year Botted in Bond Missouri Bourbon in 2022. Since that time, they’ve had several additional releases, including the highly acclaimed Soft Red Wheat Bourbon and Rickhouse Proof Bourbon. Kyle Merklein joins Bourbon Lens to discuss his...
Bourbon Lens visits Louisville’s premier whiskey bar and restaurant, Watch Hill Proper. Founders Josh Howes and Tommy Craggs sit down with Jake and Scott to discuss their journey to opening Watch Hill Proper. This is a true destination to see when visiting Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Find out why in today’s episode.
Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while...
Troy Bolotnick is back for his encore appearance on Bourbon Lens to talk about Filmland Spirits. We discuss Filmland Spirits and their expanded lineup since his last visit, including the Extended Cut bottlings of Moonlight Mayhem and Ryes of the Robots. Extended Cut is the brand’s Cask Strength offering of their whiskies. Since his last appearance, Filmland has also debuted Town at the End of Tomorrow, a limited rel...
Jake travels to Lawrenceburg to sit down with Bruce Russell, the newly appointed Associate Blender for Wild Turkey and part of the famed Russell Family. During their conversation, Bruce discusses the legacy of the Russell Family, creating Generations with Jimmy and Eddie, and Read more
Our guest this week is Andrew Borenzweig, Founder of Beverly Spirits. Andrew joins Bourbon Lens to discuss the path that led him to build a luxury spirits brand, crafting the liquid with Master Blender Murphy Quint, and (of course) his portfolio of American Whiskey. We’ve previously reviewed Beverly High Rye, the brand's initial offering, but we we’re excited to see what Beverly had in store with their barrel streng...
Barrell Craft Spirits invited Bourbon Lens to their new Jeffersontown Kentucky blending facility to record this week’s episode of the podcast. We’re joined by Founder Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson, Director of Distillery Operations. During the episode, we discuss the new facility, its impressive design, and how it was built from the ground up with efficiency and quality at the forefront. We also discuss some of the r...
In the latest episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake sits down with Tara Lindley and Holly Booth of High West Whiskey. Tara and Holly play pivotal roles in helping consumers get to know High West by creating the whiskey and running the hospitality program. You don’t have to look very hard to see the stamp these women have placed on the Utah-based whiskey company.
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