

Bourbon Pursuit
Bourbon Pursuit
The Official Podcast of Bourbon! The best in news, reviews and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen. Join hosts Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick as they talk with prominent guests and provide insight on American whiskey 3 times a week. Catch all new episodes every Thursday with special Whiskey Quickie reviews on Tuesday and get caught up on bourbon news with This Week in Bourbon on Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 5min
Whiskey Quickie: Lux Row Albariño Cask Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Lux Row Albariño Cask Bourbon. This 4 year old bourbon is 105 proof and $60 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

Jul 18, 2025 • 38min
TWiB: Stitzel-Weller Distillery is up for sale., Brothers Wright Distilling Co. new Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery new release
It's This Week in Bourbon for July 18th 2025. Stitzel-Weller Distillery is up for sale, Brothers Wright Distilling Co. acquires Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, and Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council.Show Notes:
The historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery property, including 15 barrel warehouses, is currently for sale.
World-renowned expert Noah Rothbaum is set to release The Whiskey Bible, a comprehensive guide to whiskey's history, secrets, and cocktails, in September 2025.
Brothers Wright Distilling Co. has acquired Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery in Pikeville, expanding capacity and adding a restaurant and music venue.
Meridian Biotech is partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery to build a $40 million facility in Franklin County to convert distillery byproducts into alternative proteins.
Acclaimed mixologist Molly Wellmann is joining Hidden Barn Whiskey as its Master Taster to enhance their blends and single barrel selections.
Wolves has collaborated with Willett Family Estate on a limited-edition 10-year rye whiskey, blending Kentucky and California-aged ryes.
Old Forester is bringing back its annual 1910 Extra Extra Old release, a 93-proof double-barreled bourbon aged for an additional 24 months.
Bib & Tucker is launching Gold Roast Bourbon, a 6-year Tennessee Bourbon finished with whole roasted Arabica coffee beans using a cold extraction method.
Frey Ranch Distillery is introducing its Five Grain Single Barrel Bourbon, made entirely with grains grown on their farm, with limited quantities available.
Rebel Bourbon announces the annual release of its 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, a 100-proof wheated whiskey with a limited allocation hitting shelves this month.
Great Jones Distilling Co. has released a new Wheated Bourbon crafted entirely from New York-grown grains, aged at least four years.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Distiller’s Council, a $1,499.99 ultra-premium, limited-edition bourbon using 19th-century techniques.
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is releasing the annual Old Grand-Dad 7-Year-Old Bonded Bourbon, barreled in spring 2018 at 100 proof.
Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye Kentucky Straight Blended Whiskey is returning due to popular demand, combining 9-year bourbon and 7-year rye at 113 proof.
Wyoming Whiskey is launching its National Parks: Acadia Edition, expanding its series with a Maine-exclusive bourbon supporting Acadia National Park.
Barrell Craft Spirits is releasing Barrell Decade, a Black Label Series blend of whiskeys distilled from 1995-2005 and secondarily matured in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks.
Jim Beam has announced Lineage Batch #2, a 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted by Fred and Freddie Noe, exclusively available at the Beam campus.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
523 - Retail Trends & Beyond with Chris Blandford of Kroger
One of the topics I love to dive into on the show is retail. This is where the rubber meets the road because it's the telling sign if a brand or category is alive or dying. I'm excited to welcome Chris Blandford back on the show. He holds the title of Adult Beverage Field Specialist for Kroger. He’s right there on the front lines of consumer trends, and he’s got some amazing insights into the changing landscape of bourbon, and he's also the content development lead for the bourbon and culinary stage at Bourbon & Beyond, a music festival right here in Louisville you've heard us talk about before. We talk about evolving consumer tastes because there is a trend back towards lower proof whiskey and some hilarious stories about those high-potency THC infused drinks that are making waves. Chris also shares his inspiring personal journey of health transformation, which is a fantastic parallel to his work. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into the exciting experiences waiting for everyone at Bourbon & Beyond.
Show Notes:
Who is Chris Blandford and his role at Kroger?
Insights on rising trends among bourbon consumers.
Discussion on the interest in lower-proof, approachable bourbons.
Unique bourbon blend produced for Bourbon & Beyond.
Reactions to various bourbons tasted and discussed.
Chris's health and fitness transformation journey.
Kroger’s partnership significance with Bourbon & Beyond.
Resources for aspiring bourbon distillers and entrepreneurs.
Humorous exchanges surrounding bourbon experiences.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 5min
Whiskey Quickie: Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Spring 2025 Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitz Spring 2025. This 9 year old bourbon is 100 proof and $130 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

Jul 11, 2025 • 40min
TWiB: New Riff Distilling 6-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, Starlight Distillery releases 10-Year Bourbon, Bardstown Bourbon new Japanese Oak Barrel Finish
It's This Week in Bourbon for July 11th 2025. New Riff Distilling has availability of 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon for Selections, Starlight Distillery is releasing its first ever 10-Year Bourbon, and Bardstown Bourbon Company has unveiled Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish.Show Notes:
New Riff Distilling announces the availability of its 6-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon and Rye Selections for customer barrel picks.
Heaven Hill Brands unveils a refreshed corporate brand identity with the tagline "Thriving Together" and opens a new Louisville office.
LifeSciKY partners with New Riff Distilling for a limited-edition single-barrel bourbon, with proceeds funding new lab equipment.
Maker's Mark collaborates with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation on a custom bourbon to celebrate the 2024 World Series and aid wildfire relief.
The World Whiskey Society releases its 108-Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Japanese Mizunara Shochu Barrels, dubbed the "Samurai Edition."
Coppercraft Distillery introduces a new 9-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of sourced Indiana bourbons.
Three Chord Bourbon launches "Volume 2" featuring new bottle designs with energetic concert photography.
Booker’s Bourbon releases 'By The Pond Batch,' its second batch of the year, aged over 7 years at 126.5 proof.
Starlight Distillery is set to release its first ever 10-Year Bourbon on July 26th, made with estate-grown grains.
Castle & Key Distillery releases its Castle & Key 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon.
Bardstown Bourbon Company unveils Hokkaido Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish as its latest Distillery Reserve release.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 17min
522 - Forging His Own Path with Bruce Russell of WIld Turkey
At Bourbon Pursuit, we've had our fair share of industry legends and rising stars, and we get to sit down again with someone who's name is plastered in the bourbon hall of fame. Bruce Russell joins us again to share how he is carving his own path at Wild Turkey but also honoring the incredible legacy of his father Eddie and grandfather Jimmy. Get ready for some great stories as Bruce opens up about growing up in the Wild Turkey family, his shift back from Texas, and how he's embraced product development, bringing exciting new high-proof offerings and their latest eight-year 101 proof bourbon to life. This episode takes a few different twists as we talk about blending blending, barrel selections, and how Wild Turkey's continual packaging changes. Plus, Bruce gives us an honest look at the challenges of being a public figure in the bourbon world, getting noticed wherever he goes, and gives you a list of his favorite Louisville dining spots.
Show Notes:
Bruce Russell’s family legacy and journey in bourbon.
Transition to product development roles at Wild Turkey.
Upcoming high-proof releases and their significance.
The success of the eight-year-old 101 proof and its impact.
Insights into barrel selection and blending practices.
Navigating fame and personal life within the industry.
Bruce's restaurant recommendations in Louisville.
The importance of blending tradition with innovation.
Upcoming projects and the future of Wild Turkey.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 5min
Whiskey Quickie: Silver Grove Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Silver Grove Bourbon from New Riff. This 4 year old bourbon is 110.3 proof and $56 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

Jul 4, 2025 • 51min
TWiB: Dark Arts Whiskey House new brand home, Jackie Zykan to leave Hidden Barn Bourbon, Chattanooga Whiskey with new liqueurs
It’s This Week in Bourbon for July 4th 2025. Dark Arts Whiskey House has opened doors to their new brand home, Jackie Zykan is stepping away from Hidden Barn Bourbon, and Chattanooga Whiskey has two new experimental liqueurs.Show Notes:
John Little is stepping away from Smooth Ambler to launch a spirits consulting and barrel brokering venture. Dark Arts Whiskey House is set to open its immersive brand home in Lexington on June 28, 2025. Jeff Hopmayer of Brindiamo Group has invested in Four Branches Bourbon. Constellation Brands, Brown-Forman, and Diageo are currently facing lawsuits regarding alleged misleading financial statements and product claims. J. Mattingly 1845's ownership is transferring to Gold Corn & Co., with Cameron Mattingly remaining in his production role. Jefferson's Bourbon partnered with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham's Cloud23 hot sauce to create the "Brooklyn23" rye cocktail, offering home kits. Michael Nanula is the new CEO of Three Chord Bourbon. Give 270 is launching the "Whiskey Wednesdays Round 16 - Colonel & Cash" raffle series from July 2 to Sept. 17. Jackie Zykan has departed Hidden Barn Bourbon, with Neeley Family Distillery continuing its production. The New York State Legislature passed a bill allowing restaurants and bars to purchase limited liquor inventory directly from stores.Matthew Lillard's Find Familiar Spirits is partnering with Manifest Distilling to launch Expansion Pack, a new service for craft spirits brands. Barrell Craft Spirits released Barrell Bourbon Batch 037, a new blended bourbon at 111.38 proof. Chattanooga Whiskey unveiled "Batch alpha": Intergalactic Comet Crusher, a bourbon liqueur, and Experimental Single Batch 044: Bourbon Barreled Limecello. Kentucky Owl is releasing Batch #13 Bourbon, the final blend by John Rhea, at 56.8% ABV. Heaven Hill is launching the Second Edition of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a barrel-proof, non-chill filtered release. Michter’s Distillery will release its 2025 Shenk's Homestead Kentucky Sour Mash and Bomberger’s Declaration Kentucky Straight Bourbon this July.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
521 - From Finance to Four-Grain Focus with Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House
It takes us a while on the Bourbon Pursuit side to find a craft brand that has great whiskey and a great story. And when we get to bring someone on from the Centennial State, it's even better. We sit down with Al Laws, the guy behind Laws Whiskey House in Colorado. Laws is known for their four-grain bourbon, but Al's journey wasn't always in whiskey and he took some pivots from the world of finance and oil to get there. We dive deep into Al's whiskey-making philosophy and he shares some great stories about sourcing grains right there in Colorado and how they approach their flavor profiles. Of course, we're also going to talk about the business side of things, including the financial hurdles distilleries face, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Colorado was also on the forefront on the rise of cannibis and we talk about how Laws Whiskey House navigated through that boom in his area.
Show Notes:
Al Laws' transition from finance to whiskey
The significance of Colorado's whiskey culture
Crafting a unique four-grain bourbon at Laws Whiskey House
Insights on flavor profiles and local grain sourcing
Navigating the challenges of distillery business in evolving times
The impact of new market competitors on whiskey sales
Building community support and brand identity over 14 years
Aging whiskey in Colorado's distinctive climate
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Jul 1, 2025 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Fanged Pursuit Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Fanged Pursuit from Orphan Barrel. This 17 year old bourbon is 92 proof and $200 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