

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

Nov 4, 2025 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Beyke's Blue Kentucky Straight Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Beyke's Blue Kentucky Straight Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey 001. This 6 year old whiskey is is 111.5 proof and $80 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

Oct 31, 2025 • 45min
TWiB: Japan’s Kirin Holdings puts Four Roses for sale, Big Thirst and Pour Now launch new AI platform, Hardin’s Creek releases new Warehouse Series
It's This Week in Bourbon for October 31st 2025. Japan’s Kirin Holdings has put Four Roses up for sale, Big Thirst and Pour Now have partnered to launch an AI-driven e-commerce platform for the alcohol industry, and Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is releasing the Warehouse Series.
Show Notes:
Castle & Key Distillery named Sherrie Moore, a veteran with five decades of experience who started at Jack Daniel's, as its new Whisky Plant Manager
Heritage Distilling is closing five retail tasting rooms to focus on high-margin contract production and DtC, aiming to reduce expenses by over $5 million
Japan’s Kirin Holdings put its Four Roses bourbon brand up for sale, with a $1 billion valuation expected, to focus on healthcare
Green River Distilling Co. is offering free, personalized labels for their bourbon bottles as a holiday gift to customers
Big Thirst and Pour Now launched an AI-driven e-commerce platform uniting online sales channels for the alcohol industry
Frank August released CASE STUDY: 06 | LEGACY RESERVE, a multi-award-winning, blended 8-to-10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Hardin’s Creek released the Warehouse Series, a three-part, 11-year-old collection highlighting the impact of different aging microclimates
Rare Character Whiskey launched the inaugural annual release of Old Cassidy 2025, a cask-strength blend with an 18-year-old Kentucky bourbon base
Alan Jackson’s Silverbelly Whiskey is expanding with the limited-edition "Last Call" straight bourbon, commemorating his 67th birthday and final concert
Bluegrass Distillers released the limited 9-year single barrel Elkwood Reserve bourbon (inspired by Thorpedo Anna), with 50% of profits benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund
James B. Beam Distilling Co. introduced Knob Creek 21 Year Old at $249.99, the oldest expression in the brand’s history
Ross & Squibb Distillery brought back the limited-edition Remus Gatsby Reserve, a 15-year, 102.8-proof bourbon with Art Deco packaging
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Oct 30, 2025 • 56min
538 - Is Kentucky's Bourbon Crown Under Threat? The Rise of Regional Whiskey
Is Kentucky’s bourbon crown finally under threat? That’s the question we're tackling today, because there is a shift happening in the world of American whiskey right now. While the Bluegrass State still has its grip on the market, the surging production in states like New York, Texas, and Colorado is raising the question: Are we seeing something that could actually rival Kentucky's dominance? We dive into the real challenges facing out-of-state distillers, discussing how community support, innovative marketing, and consistent quality are their most powerful tools but, it’s an uphill battle as craft distillers try to gain recognition against the established giants. What do you think? Is the whiskey map is being redrawn?
Show Notes:
Kenny Coleman, Ryan Cecil, and Fred Minnick explore the emergence of regional whiskeys
Discussion on the impact of local pride on market dynamics
Examination of the celebrity whiskey trend and its influence on consumer choices
Insights on grain selection and fermentation in diverse distilleries
Success stories from regions like Iowa, Texas, and Colorado
The role of branding and packaging in shaping craft whiskey's appeal
The influence of competitions on the perception of whiskey quality
Why Kentucky remains the gold standard in whiskey
Future projections for regional whiskey brands in a changing consumer landscape
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Oct 28, 2025 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Bardstown Bourbon Co. Hokkaido Mizunara Oak Barrel Finish Whiskey. This 9-18 year old whiskey is is 109.3 proof and $100 MSRP (375 ml). 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

11 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 34min
TWiB: Sazerac invests more than $38 million to expand, 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project results are in, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release
Sazerac is making waves with a $38 million investment to ramp up production in Indiana, driven by booming demand. Jefferson's Bourbon highlights its quirky branding with a new campaign featuring Taylor Kitsch. Meanwhile, the craft spirits market faces challenges, showing declines in sales and employment for two years running. In exciting releases, High n' Wicked showcases a unique blend in their Warlander whiskey, while Jack Daniel’s introduces the bold Tanyard Hill Rye, boasting impressive proof levels.

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
537 - The Engineering Behind The New Heaven Hill Springs Distillery with Conor O Driscoll
If there's one distillery that truly feels like a cornerstone of the bourbon world, it has to be Heaven Hill. From Evan Williams to Elijah Craig to Larceny, their portfolio is an absolute institution. And with their 90th anniversary upcoming, there's no better time to get a look at the past, present, and future of this bourbon powerhouse. We're sitting down with Conor O' Driscoll, the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill. He's taking us on a journey through the company's remarkable history, from its founding in 1935 to its massive expansion with the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, capable of pumping out 1,500 barrels a day. Conor talks to us about how every facet of the new distillery was planned from fermentation techniques to how they will continue to innovative with their Grain to Glass series. We also get into the latest market trends, including if Conor thinks barrel proof expressions are on the decline.
Show Notes:
Conor's insights on Heaven Hill's 90-year legacy and the future of the family business
Overview of the new Heaven Hill Springs distillery and production advancements
Highlights of the Grain to Glass program and its unique mash bills
Discussion on modern bourbon trends and the rise of barrel-proof spirits
Humorous takes on celebrity culture and children's views of the whiskey industry
Conor's vision for Heaven Hill's future, focusing on quality and sustainability
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Oct 21, 2025 • 7min
Whiskey Quickie: Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Old Fitzgerald 7 Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. This 7 year old bourbon is is 100 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

Oct 17, 2025 • 54min
TWiB: TTB Shutdown Plan Details, Kentucky hits 16.1 million Bourbon barrels, Pursuit Spirits releases United Kodama Mizunara
It's This Week in Bourbon for October 17th 2025. TTB Shutdown Plan Details, Kentucky has reached an all-time high of 16.1 million aging barrels of Bourbon, and Pursuit Spirits has released Pursuit United Kodama Mizunara Bourbon.Show Notes:
TTB releases shutdown plan, furloughing 398 staff and immediately halting C-label and permit approvals if federal funding lapses
Casey Jones Distillery launches a "Bottle Your Own Bourbon Experience" featuring a Triple Casked Amburana finish for $89.99
A federal judge rejected the Kentucky Owl/Stoli Group bankruptcy plan, ruling that the "dismal" bourbon market makes selling barrels to cover their $78 million debt unfeasible
California has legalized a temporary one-year Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) spirits shipping for craft distilleries (under 150K gallons) starting January 2026
Jack Daniel's is ending its decades-long free cattle feed program, diverting the byproduct for fertilizer and forcing many local farmers to exit the cattle business
Buffalo Trace is debuting a new Halloween experience called "Night at the Distillery," featuring a folklore tour and a Private Ghost Hunting giveaway
Kentucky's aging barrel inventory has reached an all-time high of 16.1 million barrels, leading distillers to pay $75 million in taxes this year
Sagamore Spirit debuts its first High Rye Straight Bourbon (6-year, 118 proof), blending Kentucky and Maryland styles for $49
Woodford Reserve releases a limited Barrel Strength Rye at 125.1 proof, using its pre-prohibition style mash bill for $129.99 SRP
High West releases A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 13, a limited Rendezvous Rye finished in Ruby and Tawny Port barrels
Templeton Distillery unveils its highly limited 13-Year-Old Rye (108 proof) as the first in its "Hidden Stash" collection for $169.99
Smokeye Hill announces its first rye expression, a 5-year Barrel Proof Rye (131+ proof) with blue corn and high-altitude aging for $89.99
Four Roses and New Belgium Brewing release Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale, a limited annual collaboration infused with charred oak and bourbon-soaked spirals
The Ingram Distillery releases the 2025 Flagship Bourbon, a micro-batch of only eight high-rye barrels aged on the Mississippi River at 116.5 proof
Russell’s Reserve announces Single Rickhouse Collection Camp Nelson E, a 128-proof bourbon from the fifth floor of the Camp Nelson E rickhouse
Bluegrass Distillers partners with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses to release a limited 100-proof Toasted Oak Bourbon for $50 MSRP
Buffalo Trace adds Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon to the BTAC, the collection's first new expression since 2006
Heaven Hill launches Grain to Glass Specialty Barrel Series, a $129.99 allocated release of three 6-year whiskies aged in Chinquapin Oak barrels
Chattanooga Whiskey releases its Bottled in Bond Fall 2021 Vintage, featuring the debut of the new SB104 mash bill in the blend for $52.99
Pursuit Spirits releases Kodama Mizunara Bourbon (117 Proof), a blend finished in both Japanese Mizunara and Infrared-Toasted American Oak for $89.99
Penelope Bourbon launches a limited-edition Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned ready-to-pour cocktail (80 proof) for $29.99 MSRP
Old Overholt launches a limited, unfiltered 12-Year Extra Aged Cask Strength Rye (53–65% ABV) for $109.99 SRP
Blue Run Spirits releases a 111-proof Chicago Bears commemorative High Rye Bourbon to honor the 1985 team for $89.99 SRP
Woodford Reserve unveils its 2025 holiday bottle featuring a sage and berry garland design collaboration with fashion designer Alexandra O’Neill
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Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 15min
536 - Will The Three Tier System Destroy Bourbon? on Bourbon Community Roundtable 111
Oh, this is a good one, y'all. We hit on one of the most polarizing and divisive topics that is in our world today, and that's distribution. Love it, hate it, whatever you want, it doesn't matter, it's not going anywhere, and it is the system that we are currently in because of the history of Prohibition, and you're going to learn about that and more. Plus, we're going to start hitting on our own trials and tribulations of living through the three-tier system and some stories from the front lines. Then we wrap up with what you can do as a consumer to help fight back. Got questions for the next episode? submit them at https://brbn.at/q112
Show Notes:
The origins and implications of the three-tier distribution system
Prohibition's influence on alcohol distribution practices
The complexities of distiller-distributor relationships
Challenges faced by craft distillers in a corporate-centric market
The role of consumer demand in shaping retail preferences
Calls for modernization of the distribution model
Ways for consumers to support their favorite small brands
Encouragement for listeners to engage and share the podcast
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Oct 14, 2025 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2025 Edition Rye Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review the 2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey. This 6 year old rye whiskey is is 105.2 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


