Bourbon Pursuit

You know, when you talk about the intersection of science and world-class whiskey, there's one person who immediately comes to mind. I am thrilled to welcome back a true pillar of the industry, the insightful Dr. Pat Heist, co-founder of Wilderness Trail Distillery, for his third visit! Dr. Heist is breaking down the full, fascinating journey of Wilderness Trail—from its incredibly dedicated early days to the huge, strategic partnership with Campari. And you know Pat and his background in microbiology, so we had to talk about yeast for a bit. But it’s not just about science; we also explore his unexpected second career in music with his band, Zella May, and what he's now doing with his wealth of investing in other businesses. Plus, we dive into the glass with a tasting of some new bourbon and rye whiskeys they are about ready to share. Show Notes: Dr. Heist’s reflections on the journey of Wilderness Trail Distillery The significance of the partnership with Campari and its strategic objectives How music plays a role in Dr. Heist’s life and career Tasting highlights of Wilderness Trail products, including a high rye bourbon and rye whiskey Perspectives on the future of contract distilling and navigating market trends he balance between personal interests and business success Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review New Riff High Note First Decade Bourbon. This 10 year old bourbon is is 120.5 proof and $90 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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 opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 3rd 2025. A million dollars worth of whiskey has been stolen from Westland, Diageo has temporarily paused whiskey production at its Balcones and George Dickel, and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is launching the Tennessee Collective.Show Notes: Willett Distillery Executive Director Even Kulsveen passes away Westland Distillery loses 12,000 bottles (nearly $1M) in sophisticated truck heist Diageo pauses whiskey production and lays off 17 at Balcones and George Dickel Adventure Spirits Distilling partners with Toledo Athletics for game sponsorships Barrelhood launches syndicated investment platform for bourbon barrel portfolios Buffalo Trace celebrates rolling its nine millionth barrel since Prohibition Judge approves class action lawsuit against Sazerac over Fireball malt labeling Give 270 launches 3rd annual "Pappy Palooza" raffle benefiting CASA of the Heartland Dierks Bentley introduces ROW 94 Full Proof, a 120-proof expression Booker’s Bourbon announces "Jerry’s Batch" at 124.7 proof, honoring Jerry Dalton J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery offers custom, double-staved Halloween whiskey bottles Four Roses releases limited OBSK Private Barrel Selection supporting Salt River Cleanup World Whiskey Society expands Doc Holliday collection with a 16-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Widow Jane unveils 2025 edition of The Vaults finished in "Mythological Oak" from Greece Town Branch Distillery releases Imperium MMXXV, a 105-proof limited wheated bourbon Baker’s re-releases High-Rye 7-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon at 107 proof Tennessee Whiskey Trail launches first "Tennessee Collective" barrel blend Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bourbon world has changed dramatically, and a big part of that is due to social media. It used to be a bunch of faceless names on some message boards but a new wave of creators is at the forefront. Today, we're sitting down with two leaders in the short-form video game, Kevin Carlson and Mike Yates. They give some insight into building a following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and how they’re tackling the biggest challenges of creating content today—from the struggle of video editing to audience engagement. Then we get into a lively game of "Over, Under, or Properly Rated," where we debate everything from "hazmat" bottles to the authenticity of influencers. The conversation gets real about home barrel projects and if building a relationship with your local liquor store owner is still the most valuable move you can make. Show Notes: Shifting from audio to video content creation The influence of TikTok and Instagram on bourbon enthusiasts Playing "Over, Under, or Properly Rated" with bourbon trends Examining the hype surrounding hazmat bottles The charm of Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey: hype or reality? Scrutinizing the legitimacy of home barrel projects in bourbon making Building essential connections with liquor store owners for limited releases Nostalgia versus hype: the campout experience for sought-after bottles Personal growth and stories behind their bourbon content creation Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Star Hill Farm Whisky. This non-age stated wheat whiskey is 114.7 proof and $100 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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 opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 26th 2025. Turkey has officially removed its 70% retaliatory tariff on U.S. spirits, Black Button Distillery has been saved from Bankruptcy, and Angel's Envy is releasing Angel’s Envy 10.Show Notes: Türkiye eliminates its 70% retaliatory tariff on U.S. spirits, boosting American exports Blackstar Company saves New York's Black Button Distilling from bankruptcy Kentucky Distillers’ Association welcomes Dark Arts Whiskey House as its newest member HIRSCH introduces a limited-edition cask strength bourbon finished in 30-year-old HINE Cognac barrels Angel's Envy announces its first-ever age-stated release with a 10-year-old Cask Strength bourbon Barton 1792 Distillery debuts its first permanent cask-finished bourbon with 1792 Cognac Cask Finish Oaklore Distilling Co. releases a limited Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon Good Trouble launches Trouble in Blues, a limited-edition bourbon honoring Chicago Blues music with signed bottles from Buddy Guy Jack Daniel's introduces Distillery Series Selection #15, a Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bourbon world can feel like the Wild West sometimes, and right now, there's no part of it wilder than the aged whiskey barrel market. The price of barrels has gone from a skyrocketing asset and back down to a commodity. We're welcoming back Beau Beckman, a name you may remember from past shows, who is with a new venture called Hogshead. In this episode, we get into the challenges faced by both consumers and new brands in this confusing market. Beau is pulling back the curtain on the "gold rush" mentality and showing us how Hogshead aims to use technology to create a transparent, online marketplace for barrels. He's also sharing some powerful reflections on his own deep bourbon heritage and the experience he had running the largest private barrel program while at Buffalo Trace. He shares what's really happening behind the scenes in bourbon sourcing world. Show Notes: The state of bourbon barrel pricing Shifts from a buyer's to a seller's market Hogshead's role in simplifying barrel trading Challenges for new brands in the market The significance of transparency in transactions Personal anecdotes connecting Beau to his bourbon legacy Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Run Flight III Fit & Flair. This non-age stated bourbon is 117 proof and $125 MSRP. Let us know what you think. 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 opinion based on what we tasted. Please drink responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's This Week in Bourbon for September 19th 2025. Van Winkle 2025 Lineup Is Announced, 2XO has released its first rye, and Penelope Bourbon has partnered with FCancer for two limited-edition whiskeys.Show Notes: Bourbon with Heart hosts a raffle featuring hand-painted barrel heads and Michter's 10 Year to support local artists and nonprofits The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is raffling two exclusive lots of 17 hand-selected single barrel bourbons to benefit its nonprofit mission Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace announced the 2025 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection release, including a rare 25-year-old bottle for a charity auction Caleb’s Crossing and Rare Bird 101's David Jennings are releasing a blend of seven-year Kentucky bourbon and twelve-year Indiana rye 2XO Whiskey releases White Oak Rye, its first rye whiskey, featuring blender Dixon Dedman's "double oak" technique Liberty Pole Spirits and Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye collaborated on a one-of-a-kind blend of two barrels, available exclusively at their distilleries Brother’s Bond Bourbon launches a new expression and portfolio-wide packaging redesign featuring grains from regenerative agriculture Rolling Fork Spirits releases Bourbon de Luxe Batch 4, a rum cask-finished bourbon blended to be a lighter "summer bourbon." Chattanooga Whiskey introduces Batch 045: Kola Infused, a bourbon liqueur infused with all-natural ingredients including kola nut and citrus Frey Ranch Distillery is releasing its highly-anticipated Harvester Series: Second Harvest, a limited-edition ultra-premium wheat whiskey Penelope Bourbon partners with nonprofit FCancer to release two limited-edition whiskeys with a combined donation goal of $500,000 Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of sourcing has been around a very long time but it's a new concept for some while it's old hat for some. Are we at the point where sourcing is more widely accepted? What's it going to take to overcome it? Knowing that we are going to see an abundance of available sources here real soon, will it become more popular? Or even maybe more popular than distilling your own? Show Notes: Introduction of the crew and warm-up music discussion Insights on the changing bourbon landscape and consumer perceptions Has the stigma around sourced whiskey faded The importance of educating consumers on sourcing versus distilling Discussion on the uniqueness of sourced products vs. commodity whiskey The role of flavor profiles in a saturated market Forecasts for innovation in sourcing whiskey Celebrating the contributions of Non-Distilling Producers Potential future trends and the rise of new brands Emphasis on consumer engagement and storytelling in the whiskey industry Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices