Bourbon Lens

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 tradition...

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 h...

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 Fre...

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 giv...

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...

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 bour...

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...

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 whiskey m...

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 Dak...

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 i...

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, we dive into Augusta's approach to...

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 h...

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 b...

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. B...

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...

In this exciting new episode of Bourbon Lens , hosts Jake and Scott sit down with Greg Keeley, the co-founder of Larrikin Bourbon Co., to dive deep into the building (and rebranding) of a bourbon company. Together, they discuss the origins of Larrikin Bourbon Co., the brand's ethos, and what makes their whiskey stand out in a crowded market. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast , hosts Jake and Scott take a closer look at some of their favorite bourbon distilleries from across the United States. Join us as we explore Wyoming Whiskey, Boulder Spirits, Holladay Distillery, and more, and dive into what makes each of these distilleries unique.  Did we miss any of your favorite "non-Kentucky Bourbon" distilleries?  Drop us a line an...

In this episode of Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott are joined by Adam Hines, co-founder of High Bank Distillery Co., to discuss the release of their highly anticipated High Bank Small Batch Bourbon. This release marks a new chapter in the distillery's journey, bringing their very own well-aged and flavorful bourbon to market. Adam talks about the six years of waiting and crafting that went in...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, Jake and Scott are joined by Will Woodington, the National Brand Ambassador for Chicken Cock Whiskey. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of Chicken Cock Whiskey, discuss its distinctive branding, and explore its exciting new chapter as it joins the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with their visitor experience, Circa 1856 in Bardstown. Tune in to lear...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott dive deep into the highly anticipated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2024. Join them as they explore the flavors and complexities of these limited release whiskies, giving their thoughts and insights on each whiskey in the collection. A special thanks to the team at Sazerac for providing the opportunity to taste these rare whiskey...

In this episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast, hosts Jake and Scott sit down to make predictions for the whiskey world in 2025. As the bourbon landscape continues to evolve, we dive into what we believe is coming down the pipe for the industry. From pricing trends to the rise of American Single Malt, and the ongoing buzz around limited release and allocated bourbons, there's a lot to unpack and we'd...

As we close the door on 2024 and begin 2025, Jake and Scott sit down to reflect on some of the biggest highlights from the year of Bourbon Lens. From exciting releases to emerging trends, the Bourbon Lens has seen a year full of remarkable moments, and we're breaking down the ones that stood out the most. Tune in to hear what Jake and Scott have to say about the highlights of 2024 Bourbon Lens! Li...

We're excited to bring you a new episode of the Bourbon Lens podcast featuring Joyce Nethery, founder and Master Distiller of Jeptha Creed Distillery. In this episode, Joyce takes us behind the scenes of their innovative distillery, sharing the story of how Jeptha Creed was founded, their commitment to using heirloom grains, and what the future holds for the brand. Jeptha Creed has always stood ou...

In this new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we're honored to be joined by Owen Martin, the Master Distiller at Angel's Envy. Known for crafting some of the most unique and beloved finished whiskey expressions in the bourbon world, Angel's Envy has set itself apart with its finishing techniques and commitment to quality. Owen shares his journey in the spirits industry, what it takes to craft a...

In this new episode of the Bourbon Lens Podcast, we welcome Racheal Vaughan Jones, Marketing Director at Compass Box Whisky. Racheal shares her journey from working with global drinks brands like Ballantine's Scotch Whisky to helping shape the direction of Compass Box, one of the most innovative independent Scotch whisky makers in the world. As the driving force behind Compass Box's recent initiat...