Bourbon Lens

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 t...

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 worl...

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 ban...

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...

Description 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 th...

Description 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 volc...

Description 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 b...

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 t...

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.” Y...

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...

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 di...

What if a bourbon under $50 could deliver the depth, texture, and decadence you’d expect from a $200 bottle? In this episode, we uncover a true sleeper hit: ASW Fiddler Toasted , a high-wheat mash bill bourbon finished for 26 months in toasted oak that punches far above its age and price. At just six years old, this whiskey defies expectations. We dive deep into why its 80% high-wheat mash bill an...

Unlock the future of bourbon with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction , a landmark event blending patriotism, craftsmanship, and community. In this episode of The Bourbon Lens , Jake sits down with bourbon industry veteran Andrew Varga to reveal how this first-of-its-kind auction is set to become a defining moment in bourbon culture. Celebrating th...

Description Unlock the secrets behind Georgia’s fast-growing whiskey scene in this in-depth conversation with Whit Hagemann , distiller at ASW Distillery , on The Bourbon Lens . Hosts Jake and Scott dive into how a nearly decade-old craft distillery is making national waves by blending transparency, creativity, and quality-driven innovation. Whit shares how ASW balances sourced whiskey and in-hous...

In this episode of 5 Minute Fridays , Jake Lewellen revisits the highly anticipated Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B525 , breaking down why this release stands out among recent batches. Bottled at a robust 126.2 proof and nearly 12 years old, B525 delivers a classic Heaven Hill profile with rich layers of cocoa, vanilla, nuttiness, and chocolate oak. Jake walks through his tasting notes, highlighting t...

In this episode of Thursday Thoughts , Jake Lewellen breaks down everything you need to know about bourbon—America’s native spirit. From its deep-rooted history and the origins of its name to the lasting impact of the Bottled and Bond Act of 1897 and the disruption caused by Prohibition, this episode covers it all. Jake explains the strict legal standards that define bourbon, including mash bills,...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens , hosts Jake and Scott dive headfirst into what 2026 could mean for the bourbon industry . From production pauses at major distilleries to the continued rise of craft producers and non-distilling producers (NDPs) , the guys explore how shifting market dynamics are reshaping bourbon as we know it. They break down why sustainability and intentional production matt...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens , Jake Lewellen takes a closer look at New Riff’s Balboa Rye 95.5 , a standout rye whiskey that showcases the distillery’s continued innovation and quality. Jake breaks down the tasting notes, highlighting a creamy, fruity nose followed by a balanced palate of sugary citrus and peppery rye spice . This rye delivers a smooth yet flavorful experience, making it an...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast , Jake and Scott welcome Jay West , widely known in the bourbon community as T8ke , and now the Principal Whiskeymaker at Middleburg Barrel Company . Jay joins the show to discuss his unique path through the whiskey world—from the early days of Reddit’s r/bourbon community, to his work with Whiskey Raiders , and into his current role shaping Middleburg’s...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott welcome Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co., Head Distiller/Blender for Old Potrero, and a longtime friend of the show. The conversation spans two shared passions—gin and rye whiskey—and highlights what makes Old Potrero one of the most distinctive producers in American whiskey. Jake and Scott dive into Kevin's and Scott's mutual love of gi...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast , Jake and Scott travel to Clermont, Kentucky to sit down with Alex Bowie , Director of Homeplace Experiences at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. The conversation was recorded on location in Beam's brand-new podcast studio , with Bourbon Lens receiving early access to the space for an exclusive insider look. While working through a few first-day kinks in...

In this episode of  The Bourbon Lens Podcast , Jake and Scott sit down with Chris Fletcher , Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's Distillery , to discuss several of the most exciting recent and upcoming releases from the historic Tennessee distillery. The conversation covers the debut of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Tennessee Whiskey , a new year-round offering built around barrels mat...

Bourbon Lens welcomes Jennifer Brian, "Cocktail Evangelist" and founder of Make & Muddle , to discuss her upcoming book, The Classic Cocktail Revival , which released in September 2025 from the University Press of Kentucky. Born in the Bluegrass and shaped by deep family roots in Eastern Kentucky, Jennifer's earliest memories of hospitality, food traditions, and gracious gatherings laid the fo...

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott sit down with members of the team behind Burnt Tavern Bourbon, a new bourbon developed by William Berkele Distillery in collaboration with renowned whiskey maker Chip Tate. Joining the conversation are Bennett Clark, President of William Berkele Distillery, Royce Blevins, Lead Founder, and Chip Tate, Master Distiller. Together, they discu...

Bourbon Lens heads to Lexington, Kentucky for an on-location episode at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, located at the University of Kentucky. We sit down with Alexa Narel, Operations Manager for the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and Landon Borders, Director, to explore how the Alliance is reshaping the future of whiskey grain, sustainability, and transparency. The Estate Whiskey Alli...