Aussie Bourbon Lovers

Recorded at Michter’s Shively Distillery in Kentucky, this episode features a sit-down with Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson — two icons of modern bourbon. We dive into the origins of Michter’s Toasted Sour Mash Whiskey, the innovation that helped spark the toasted barrel movement, and taste it alongside the classic US*1 Sour Mash. Dan and Andrea share insights on...

In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we open a bottle of Wiseman Bourbon — a modern Kentucky classic from the makers of Kentucky Owl. We dig into how Wiseman came to life, what sets it apart, and why it could be a go-to for bourbon fans who want rich flavour without the premium price tag. If you enjoy smooth, balanced Kentucky bourbons with curious pyramid-related backstory, this one’s for yo...

In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we open a bottle of Buzzard’s Roost Toasted French Oak Bourbon — a whiskey that shows how innovation can live inside tradition. We dive into the details behind Buzzard’s Roost’s unique toasting and finishing methods, share our tasting notes (think butterscotch, vanilla and warm baking spices), and talk about what makes this brand one of the most exciting i...

Recorded at Larrikin Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, this episode features Greg Keeley, the Australian distiller crafting exceptional bourbon in the heart of Kentucky. We sit down to taste and talk about Larrikin Delta 5, a single barrel bourbon that represents Greg’s mission to merge Australian boldness with Kentucky tradition. We discuss what makes the Delta 5 single barrel unique, the art...

Bardstown Bourbon Company has built its reputation as the “modern bourbon maker” — blending, innovating, and crafting for some of the biggest names in the industry.  In this episode, we sit down with Jake Sulek, Bardstown’s Head of Education and VIP Experience, to discuss the company’s first release in their origin series, their wheated Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, and why it represents a most signifi...

In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we open a fresh bottle of Nulu Maple Brûlée Single Barrel, a Kentucky Bourbon Festival pick that delivers rich, dessert-like flavour in every sip. We talk through how the maple brûlée process works, the unique way barrels are treated, and why this whiskey has a sticky mouthfeel and dessert-style notes like sticky date pudding, butterscotch, and dark chocol...

Recorded in the Heritage Room at Maker’s Mark in Kentucky, this episode marks a truly historic moment in American whiskey. We sit down with Dr. Blake Layfield, Master Distiller and Head of Innovation at Maker’s Mark, to discuss the launch of Star Hill Farm Wheat Whiskey. This is the first new mash bill from Maker’s Mark since 1953, and it represents a turning point in American whiskey history. We...

This might be the most unique bourbon story we’ve ever shared. Recorded at Larrikin Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, we sit down with Australian founder Greg Keeley to taste and discuss Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon. Instead of using spring water, this bourbon is proofed with rosewater, inspired by Greg’s time in the Middle East and the cultural tradition of rose tea. The innovation took more th...

Recorded live at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers is all about Chicken Cock Bourbon — one of the most historic names in American whiskey. We explore the legacy of Chicken Cock, from its rise in the 1800s to its role in Prohibition-era speakeasies, and its revival for today’s bourbon fans. Along the way, we share our tasting notes, talk about the energy of the fe...

We're getting ready for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and what better way to prep than with a bottle of Old Forester 100 Proof? In this pre-trip pour, Dave and Helen share their thoughts on the bottle, the quirky screw-top, and what it feels like to sip a bourbon that’s harder to find back home in Australia. They also share updates on what they're excited about for the trip, how they’re preparing...

This pour started with a cork pop and turned into a conversation that blurred the lines between rye and bourbon. In this episode, we try Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Rye — a rye whiskey that brings the sweetness of sherry with the warmth of Kentucky-style grains. Helen and Dave dive into mash bills, argue about what counts as a bourbon, and compare the grassy, peppery ryes to this softer, sweet...

We’re pouring something a little extra special today — Blanton’s Gold. And to match the pour, we’re joined by someone extra special too: Denver Cramer from legendary Aussie glassware company Denver & Liely. This one’s part bourbon tasting, part banter, and part deep appreciation for what makes bourbon and glassware such a great pairing. We talk about: The real reason Blanton’s Gold is smoother...

Tonight’s pour is Rock Hill Farms – a 100-proof single barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace that once earned the title “world’s finest” from Washingtonian Magazine. This one’s got mystery, nostalgia, and a dentist with bourbon in every cupboard. Dave and Helen share the story of discovering this elusive bottle on a work trip to Kentucky, why it's so hard to find in Australia, and how it ended up in a...

This week on Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we go off-book – literally – and dive into something local, legendary, and a little bit special: Sullivans Cove from Tasmania. Why? It’s Tassie Whisky Week, and what better way to celebrate than with a 14-year-old single cask from the distillery that put Australian whisky on the global map? H pours us the very last drops of bottle TD0275 – a second-fill American...

Dave and H uncork Booker's Bourbon (Batch 2023-01 "Charlie’s Batch"), a 63.3% ABV barrel-proof bourbon from the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky, and find it brimming with rich flavor and stories. They’re amazed at the deep caramel and maple syrup notes in this whiskey and how smooth it drinks despite its high proof. Along the way, the guys share plenty of laughs and bourbon insights in their signa...

In this episode, we crack open a half-finished bottle of Penelope Toasted Bourbon (because we’ve already been loving it) and dig into what makes it so damn tasty. We cover: 🔥 The toasted barrel finish – what it is and why it matters 🛢️ Char level 5 – how intense barrel prep changes the profile 🌽 This Penelope’s mash bill (75% corn, 20% rye, 4% malted barley) 🪵 Vanilla, marshmallow, subtle campf...

What happens when an Aussie distiller takes on bourbon on its home turf? In this episode, we sip and unpack the Larrikin KBF Single Barrel — a true bourbon made by the team at Larrikin, distilled and aged in Kentucky. We explore the flavour, the story behind the distillery, and whether this cross-continental endeavour delivers the goods. It's Australia meets America in a bottle, and it makes for a...

What happens when you pour a Champagne-finished bourbon into two completely different glasses… with Denver Cramer, co-founder of Denver & Liely? In this episode, Denver brings two distinct glasses to the table as we do a side-by-side of Dumangin Batch 010, a French-finished bourbon with serious flair. We compare pours, geek out over glass design, and discover how much glassware truly changes y...

This isn’t your average bourbon origin story. It starts with a house swap — and ends with a bottle of Fernhill Station on the shelf in Australia. In the second ep with James from HP Bowlo, we hear how a simple home exchange led to a deep dive into American whiskey, inspired a brand name, and sparked a whole new obsession. We talk through the journey of building a label from scratch, balancing work...

This week we’re tasting something with a name that sounds like an insult from the 1800s — Linkumpinch Single Barrel Bourbon. But don’t let the label fool you. Behind the wild name is a bold Kentucky pour that hits with spice, complexity, and just enough mystery to keep us talking. We dig into the brand's frontier backstory, the experience of drinking it freshly cracked, and where it lands on the f...

In this first Fernhill Station episode, we crack open a single cask whisky from Mount Pleasant Club in Washington D.C., and chat with James Sommerlad, the man bringing this bourbon gem to Australia. We sip and chat through: 🥃 What makes this 5 year, 7 month four-grain whisky so special 🌽 A mashbill packed with yellow corn, winter red wheat, barley & rye 🏡 The uncanny connection between Moun...

Pour yourself a dram and join us as we crack open a 2019 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel pick — courtesy of Kitty Hawk & Harry Stubbs. This is a bottle with character, and we’re joined by Denver from Denver & Liely to sip, share stories, and swirl some opinions. We get into: – What makes a single barrel pick special – The Wild Turkey connection with the Russell family – Tasting notes, glas...

In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, Dave cracks open a near-empty bottle of Michter’s Fort Nelson Reserve — hand-bottled at the Michter’s experience in Louisville and personally labelled “Dave Collins.” We chat about: 🥃 The Fort Nelson bottling experience on Whiskey Row 🛠️ Whether it's single barrel or vatted bourbon 📖 Writing your name in Michter’s bottling ledger 🤩 Bourbon joy that riva...

This episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers is all about the Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond — a surprise last-minute pickup at the distillery in Louisville that turned out to be a showstopper. We unpack: 🥃 What makes this 100-proof Bottled in Bond bourbon special 🛍️ The story of how we accidentally ended up buying it 🍰 Tasting notes that include buttery caramel, vanilla, and pecan pie 🎁 How...

No cork pop this time — just a screw cap and a big surprise. In this episode of Aussie Bourbon Lovers, we dive into the Evan Williams White Label Bottled in Bond, a bourbon that’s cheap, cheerful, and way better than we expected. We break down: 🥃 The Bottled in Bond rules (or at least most of them) 💰 Why this US$15–30 bottle is such a cult classic 👃 What we get on the nose and palate (spoiler:...