Bourbon Pursuit

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 lawsuit against former CFO Michael Senzaki Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction unveils rare Elijah Craig and Four Roses "12 Lots" benefiting veterans Ohio-based A.M. Scott Distillery files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with $3.35 million in debt Bardstown Bourbon Company earns second consecutive EPA ENERGY STAR certification for energy efficiency Whiskey House of Kentucky achieves major ISO certifications for quality, safety, and environmental excellence The Whiskey Social App launches new Clubs feature to enhance community bottle tracking and discovery Sotheby’s announces first live single-owner American whiskey auction estimated at $1.17M–$1.68M Give 270 surpasses $2 million in donations and launches Weller “Rainbow” vertical charity raffle Watch Hill Whiskey Company debuts 18-year Exceptional Series Batch 03 and Chef Series Rye New Riff Distilling expands single barrel program to include 6-year-old 100% Malted Rye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about the true grind behind the glass. Will and Chase share their personal journeys, from following family legacies to turning a passion for American whiskey into a full-blown career. But the real meat of this episode is talking about the Master of Bourbon certification through the Council of Whiskey Masters. This isn't just some weekend course; it’s a rigorous, high-stakes process that demands a staggering depth of knowledge. We talk about the educational hurdles, the career doors it opens, and why this prestigious title is becoming a gold standard in the industry. Ryan and I also put our guests in the hot seat and had them answer some oral exam questions to see how they’d handle the pressure, and let’s just say things got real when the tables were turned they asked us the questions. So whether you’re looking to make the jump from enthusiast to professional or you just want to level up your own whiskey IQ, this may set you down the path to becomg the next Master of Bourbon. Show Notes: Introducing Will Breeden and Chase Henry, their backgrounds, and paths into bourbon In-depth discussion on the Master of Bourbon certification and its significance Will’s unique career transition from nuclear medicine to bourbon Chase’s evolution from Scotch lover to bourbon ambassador Breakdown of the examination process, including theory and sensory evaluation Personal experiences and unexpected challenges during their certification journey Engaging exchanges with sample oral exam questions Practical tips for those looking to start their bourbon education Recommended resources for further exploration of bourbon certification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 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 talk about the evolution of the single barrel craze from its massive explosion back in 2014 to abundance we’re navigating today. We share some personal stories and debate over "sticker" culture. We also hit on the business side where major distillers are favor high-volume accounts while the small retailers get left behind. Another issue we're seeing is the skyrocket prices for legacy programs like Four Roses. There's a lot of players in this game and we give our suggestions on what opportunities lie head for new brands to step in and thrive. I'm sure you're like me and you've got a shelf full of barrel picks and you've got the FOMO because that next single barrel, that's the special one. Show Notes: The rise and evolution of single barrel whiskey programs Personal experiences in barrel selection The influence of the pandemic on the whiskey market Balancing relationships with small and large retailers Pricing challenges in the single barrel segment Future sustainability for smaller whiskey clubs and emerging brands The significance of connections within the bourbon industry The role of innovation in the next chapter of single barrel selections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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 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 President Trump to eliminate retaliatory spirits taxes Lux Row Distillers launches "One Lux Row" subscription service for rare bottle releases John Cena reveals The Undertaker’s "hard" locker room tradition of gargling bourbon World Whiskey Society debuts 70-proof Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition flavored whiskey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and veil. He went from a quiet contributor and guy behind the scenes on a subreddit to one of the most respected voices and blenders in the game. We dive into the staggering growth of the Reddit whiskey community—now 300,000 members strong—and why keeping that culture supportive and nontoxic is so important to the overall whiskey community. We also geek out on the barrel-picking process and how he’s managed to scale up to hundreds of barrels a year to meet the insane demand for unique bottles people are searching for. Of course, we also had to talk about Jay’s brand, Reveries, and his unique philosophy on acquiring great barrels, blending and storytelling. Show Notes: Jay West’s evolution from anonymity to industry leader Current growth of the r/whiskey community Insights into the expanding barrel-picking process The role of moderation and community engagement Reveries brand philosophy and blending techniques Highlights of standout whiskey blends from Reveries The interplay of creativity, storytelling, and community feedback Ways to support Reveries and engage with r/bourbon on Reddit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 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 Trump reportedly planning executive order to reclassify marijuana to Schedule III status Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver issues apology following "dismissive" out-of-context video encounter Benson Valley Bourbon joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association as newest craft level member Bourbon on the Banks Festival awards over $100,000 to local nonprofits from 2025 proceeds Bacardi trials autonomous "Royal Bark-la" robot dog to detect Scotch warehouse leaks Garrison Brothers announces December 6 release of 2025 Cowboy Bourbon at $249.99 Four Roses launches 375ml Small Batch and Small Batch Select bottles nationwide Wilderness Trail debuts limited 10-Year Wheated Bourbon for Wilderness Road 250th anniversary Heaven Hill announces Fall 2025 Old Fitzgerald 11-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond decanter release Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 malts in his list. At this rate, maybe he'll enjoy amburana in 2026. Show Notes: The standout quality of Bardstown Bourbon Company, particularly Cathedral and Normandy Ryan’s insights on Redemption 18-Year and its market implications Exploration of craft distilleries pushing the envelope with innovative offerings Engaging conversations around honey-finished bourbons and the evolving perception of American single malts Predictions for trends shaping the whiskey market in the near future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices