Bourbon Pursuit

It’s that time of year when we polish off the crystal ball and try to guess exactly where the bourbon industry is headed in 2026. The panel dives into some high-stakes predictions on the rise of exclusive distillery clubs and the portential rise of the craft sector by leaning into Direct-to-Consumer sales. We also get into some scarier territory—think tariffs and the possibility of major distiller...

We take a look at the 2025 Michter’s Toasted Barrel Sour Mash Whiskey, an 86-proof release that delivers bold popcorn and kettle corn notes from nose to finish. This Whiskey Quickie breaks down the aromas, flavors, and overall profile of this unique toasted barrel expression. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensat...

It's This Week in Bourbon for January 9th 2026. Meat Church BBQ Makes an Investment in Pursuit Spirits, The Weavers of Uncle Nearest File a Civil Suit against their former CFO, and Watch Hill Whiskey Company unveils two new limited releases. Show Notes: Meat Church BBQ acquires minority stake in Pursuit Spirits to fuel distribution and innovation Uncle Nearest co-founders file 223-page fraud lawsu...

We all like to think we’re experts after a few pours at the bar, but what does it actually take to be a certified Master of Bourbon? Today we’re joined by two guys who didn't just stop at being enthusiasts; they went all the way to the top of the credential ladder. We are thrilled to welcome Will Breeden, co-owner of Indiana Small Batch, and Chase Henry, Brand Ambassador for New Riff, to talk abou...

Jack Daniel’s Toasted Barrel is now a year-round release, and this one absolutely delivers. Big banana notes, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and pie crust vibes at 100 proof make this a surprisingly balanced and flavorful pour. This might be one of Jack’s best expressions yet. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compens...

It used to be that picking a single barrel was something reserved for the most dedicated enthusiasts. But today? They're everywhere. Every content creator has a club. There are regional and national facebook groups dedicated to it. And there's thousands of retailers all pushing their own single barrels. It has become an obsession that has completely transformed our industry. In this episode, we’re...

Angel’s Envy takes bourbon back to basics with their Two-Grain Bourbon. Made with 90% corn and 10% malted barley, this limited release delivers nostalgic cereal notes, light baking spice, and an easy-drinking profile at 112 proof. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. Thi...

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 26th 2025. Jim Beam halts production at its Clermont Facility, the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition has signed another petition for trump to remove retaliatory tariffs, and new Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition release. Show Notes: Jim Beam pauses Clermont distillation for 2026, shifting production to Boston, KY plant Toasts Not Tariffs coalition petitions Preside...

We’ve seen plenty of people try to make the jump from enthusiast to industry pro, but nobody has done it quite like Jay West. It’s been a few years since he was last on the show, and we’re thrilled to welcome back the mastermind behind the massive r/bourbon barrel program on Reddit and the Principal Whiskey Maker at Reveries. This is Jay's second time on the show and this time without the cload an...

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2025 brings a sweet mash twist to the annual release. At 12 years old and 92 proof, it delivers a standout nose with confectioners sugar, fried dough, and oak, but does the low proof leave something missing? We break it all down in this Whiskey Quickie. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not co...

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 19th 2025. Cannabinoid regulation is underway, a trial using a robotic dog with an ethanol sensing system is launched, and Wilderness Trail Distillery has announced the limited-edition release of a 10-Year Wheated Bourbon. Show Notes: The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) establishes a strict federal framework for hemp-derived products President Tr...

It's the end of the year and that means we get to rattle off all of our favorite whiskeys this year. But it's not just us, it's the entire roundtable. We don't talk about our "Bourbon of the Year" but we hit on all the great ones we tried and I don't want to spoil it, but there's a ton of good ones so pay attention. And can you believe it... Ryan actually put a honey finish and two american single...

If you’ve been following along with the Behind the Pursuit series, you know we don't hold much back. We’ve spent the last twelve months talking about everything from the construction chaos downtown to the nitty-gritty of brand building, but today it’s time to look at the scoreboard. We’re reflecting on 2025—a year that was easily our most ambitious to date. Ryan and I sit down to get real about wh...

We’re diving into the Parker’s Heritage Collection 19th Edition, one of the most unpredictable annual releases from Heaven Hill. This year’s blend pulls from 160 barrels across multiple rickhouses. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinion based on...

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 12th 2025. WhistlePig Distillery has opened The WhistlePig Vault in Louisville, Garrison Brothers Distillery has released a limited-edition Spurs Single Barrel bourbon, and The Old Forester 117 Series is releasing their Prohibition Era Still Proof. Show Notes: WhistlePig opened "The Vault" in Louisville—an immersive experience in a bank featuring a blending r...

We all know music and whiskey just inherently go together, but how do you actually build a successful business around that synergy? In this episode, we're sitting down with Ryan Gill, the Director of Marketing and Brand Development for Three Chord Bourbon. Ryan’s journey is pretty cool because he started his life in music production. He takes us through his early days running liquor stores in Memp...

We cracked open the 2025 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon to see if this year’s blend lives up to the hype. Full tasting notes, honest reactions, and whether it’s worth chasing for $250. Cheers. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is our honest opinio...

It's This Week in Bourbon for December 5th 2025. The founders of Uncle Nearest Distillery have filed an emergency motion, Catoctin Creek is trying to raise US$5 million, and Goose Island Brewery and Heaven Hill Distillery have partnered to release the 2025 Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout. Show Notes: Bourbon Pursuit video contradicted Adam Herz's report by suggesting the vintage whiskey counter...

Is your love of high-proof, perfectly aged bourbon actually good for you? Or are we all just telling ourselves that? Today, we're tackling the elephant in the whiskey room with the science: Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), the Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare. Uly's personal journey is wild—from corporate finance to infectious diseases—and now he focuses on the intersection of alcohol, health, an...

Join us as we crack open Ingram’s new Unchartered wheated bourbon, aged in their floating barrel warehouses drifting along the Mississippi River. Creamy texture, cola notes, classic caramel and vanilla, and a price point that makes the one-liter bottle the obvious move. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit producer. We were not compensated by...

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 28th 2025. The Lodge at Trial and Error is open, Jim Gaffigan’s Releases A Bourbon Set on YouTube, and Vintage Whiskey Counterfeiter Exposed in Maryland. Show Notes: Jim Gaffigan's new bourbon-themed stand-up special, "Live from Old Forester: The Bourbon Set," is now streaming on his YouTube channel Elijah Craig is debuting a new fragrance, Char No. 3 Cologne...

Did the world need a 45 minute standup set on Bourbon? Probably not but I'm sure glad it's happened. I am thrilled to welcome back the hilarious Jim Gaffigan for his second time on the show! Since his last time on the show when he launched Fathertime Bourbon, Jim has been traveling the country and getting hooked into the bourbon scene at every stop. His journey has gone from curious to borderline...

Maker’s Mark dropped their 2025 Cellar Aged release, and we were not ready for what happened in the glass. We break down the blend, the proof, the price, and why this year’s edition hits differently. If you’ve been on the fence about the Cellar Aged series, this might be the one that changes your mind. DISCLAIMER: The whiskey in this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy of the spirit prod...

It's This Week in Bourbon for November 21st 2025. Buffalo Trace does a pop-up in Mumbai, A break-in happened at Castle & Key, and Rabbit Hole Distillery introduces Amrûlé. Show Notes: EU's top court rules non-alcoholic drinks cannot legally be labeled as "gin" Buffalo Trace launches its 27th annual "Holidays at the Trace" celebration in December, featuring "Spirited Nights" and a complimentary dri...

The bourbon world has a lot of tradition, but what happens when someone throws out the rulebook and decides to treat whiskey making like a scientific pursuit and a creative endeavor? That’s what our guest is doing today. We're sitting down with Macaulay Minton, the self-proclaimed Chief Alchemist of Dark Arts Whiskey House. This is Macauley's second time on the show and if you don't remember here'...