

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

32 snips
Jan 19, 2023 • 1h 8min
393 - Forecasting Bourbon's Future with Susan Wahl of Heaven Hill
Susan Wahl from Heaven Hill discusses the bourbon industry's recent surge in capital investments, the decision to build a new $135M distillery, international market trends, and data insights. They also explore challenges in forecasting bourbon trends, consumer preferences, and managing whiskey inventory amidst growing demand. The podcast provides valuable insights into Heaven Hill's expansion and the enduring popularity of bourbon.

Jan 17, 2023 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Uncle Nearest Rye Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Rye Whiskey. This non-age stated uncut rye whiskey is 119.7 proof and $150 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

Jan 13, 2023 • 37min
TWiB: Barrell Purchases A Historic Rickhouse, Announcing The Brindiamo Penthouse, 78 Legends Features a 50 Year Old Bourbon
It's This Week in Bourbon for January 13th 2023. Barrell Craft Spirits purchases a historic rickhouse in Shively, Kentucky. The Bourbon Capital Alliance has announced the establishment of the Brindiamo Penthouse. A New Bourbon release called '78 Legends featuring a 50 year old bourbon.Show Notes:
The bourbon capital alliance has announced the establishment of the Brindiamo Penthouse
Neuroscientists have created a new category of non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ designed to mimic the feel-good effects of alcohol
President Joe Biden pardoned a man who was convicted 60 years ago for a single instance of selling whiskey without a tax stamp
Barrell Craft Spirits purchases a historic rickhouse in Shively, Kentucky
Stanford University has released a study about distilleries and appearing authentic
Four Roses and OSMO Salt release Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt
Kentucky Owl has announced the release of its Batch #12 Bourbon
Larceny and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A123 are released
A New Bourbon release called '78 Legends featuring a 50 year old bourbon
@barrellbourbon @joebiden @bourboncapitalguild @bourboncapitalacademy @stanford @fourrosesbourbon @osmosalt @kentuckyowl
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Jan 12, 2023 • 1h 2min
392 - What Does Sazerac Leaving RNDC Mean For Everyone? and 2023 Predictions on Bourbon Community Roundtable #76
It's Bourbon Community Roundtable #76 and this is one I'm excited to talk about because as you're well aware, building a brand requires choosing the right distribution partners. The big shake up of the past few weeks is that Sazerac is pulling out of Republic National Distributing Company in favor of smaller, more mid-tier, and beer focused distributors in around 30 different states. So, we want to ask the roundtable a few questions. First, what would motivate Sazerac to break up this long-standing relationship? If you are a distributor that got selected, what problems are you going to experience. And lastly, as a consumer are we going to see any change like finding Pappy on the shelf at MSRP. Spoiler alert... the answer is no. Since it's the first roundtable of 2023, we all put in our predictions and see what the future holds for bourbon this year.Show Notes:
Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about dry January.
Sazerac is leaving RNDC. What does this mean for Sazerac?
Sazerac goes with mid-tier distributors. How do distirbutors adapt and what happens to other brands?
Does Sazerac leaving RNDC mean anything for the end consumer?
What are your 2023 predictions?
@breakingbourbon @fredminnick @drinkseelbachs @bourbonr @sippncorn
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Jan 10, 2023 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Frey Ranch Single Barrel Rye Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Frey Ranch Single Barrel Rye. This non-age stated rye is 131.8 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

Jan 6, 2023 • 33min
TWiB: Lisa Wicker Takes Charge at Alltech, New Record For Pappy Van Winkle Set at Auction, Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection
It's This Week in Bourbon for January 6th 2023. Lisa Wicker takes on the new role as CEO & Master Distiller of Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co. A new record was set at auction for Pappy Van Winkle. Hard Truth Distillery Co. announced the 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection.Show Notes:
Lisa Wicker takes on the new role as CEO & Master Distiller of Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co
The partnership between Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey has ended
Sazerac is moving away from Republic National Distributing Company
A new record was set at auction for Pappy Van Winkle
Wilderness Trail set to double its bottling production
Hard Truth Distillery Co. announced the 2022 Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Collection
@lbwicker @alltechinc @wildturkey @officiallymcconaughey @sothebys @wildernesstraildistillery @hardtruthspirits
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Jan 5, 2023 • 1h 14min
391 - Tequila Pursuit with Alfonso Esquivias of Drinks with Fonz
If you listen to our Friday show called This Week in Bourbon, you would hear us talking about tequila being the next rising spirit. I mean, who doesn't like a good margarita? Much like bourbon, there is a lot to know about what goes into making the spirit. To help explain all that, we've invited Alfonso Esquivias, the Founder and Owner of Drinks with Fonz. Alfonso sent Ryan and I 12 different tequilas to sample them as we go through to know more about them. It was a lot of tequila but I promise you that I have a much deeper appreciation for tequila after this. Alfonso talks about the laws to be called a tequila and we dive into the process of harvesting agave and distilling it. We then tackle the touchy subject of how many tequilas on the market are full of additives like sugar and how you shouldn't trust many celebrity brands as well. Listen closely to the brands we talk about during the show so you know which ones are additive-free and legit.Show Notes:
Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the popularity of Buffalo Trace
How did you get into spirits in general?
What restrictions are in place to be called a tequila?
Can you describe an agave plant?
Can you explain the differences between blanco, reposado, and anejo?
In bourbon you will never see anyone claim they like un-aged bourbon but why is that with tequila?
How do you know which brands have additives?
What are all tequilas in the 80-90 proof range?
What is the typical proof off the still?
Who is the MGP of tequila?
So what makes something like Jose Cuervo mass-market or bottom shelf?
Is saying "using tequila as a mixer" considered blasphemy?
Does a particular agave field have different effect on the flavor like grapes with wine?
How do you know when an agave plant is ready for harvesting?
Does price point increase when proof increases?
Do all celebrity tequilas have additives or are considered crap?
@drinks.@with.@fonz
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Jan 3, 2023 • 6min
Whiskey Quickie: Hirsch “The Bivouac” Kentucky Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Hirsch "The Bivouac" Kentucky Bourbon. Yes, we still didn't pronounce it right. This non-age stated bourbon is 100 proof and $55 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

Dec 30, 2022 • 1h 29min
Behind The Pursuit: Juggling Multiple Jobs and Technology & Tradition
Hey everyone, we're back again with a double header episode where you get to know more about Ryan and I. This is a long episode because we both have our own dedicated episodes on Behind The Pursuit. In the first half you will hear Episode 19 with Ryan. You will get to hear about his morning rituals and the businesses he runs and manages outside of bourbon. The second half of the show in Episode 20 with me and talks about my career progression and how I take a very data-centric and analytical approach to everything we are doing with Pursuit Spirits. Remember, if you like these episodes, then search for Behind The Pursuit on your podcast player and hit subscribe. It's a fantastic way to hear more about the inside of the industry and we talk about building a brand, glass shortages, distribution hurdles, and so much more.Subscribe to Behind the Pursuit on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAmazon MusicGoogle Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 29, 2022 • 1h 3min
390 - The Return of JW (Wally) Dant into Distilling with Wally Dant of Log Still Distillery
If you've been around bourbon long enough, then you know the name JW Dant. That's because the Dant name is equivalent to bourbon royalty as it is steeped in history. But there is another Dant that is wanting to bring his family name back into the distilling business and that's JW Dant, or better known as Wally Dant from Log Still Distillery. Wally joins the show to talk about his upbringing and how some early career choices he made early on put him in the fortunate position to revive life into Gesthamane Kentucky where he is building his own legacy in the bourbon business.Show Notes:
Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the American single malt category
Was there ever a moment where you realized bourbon was a part of your DNA?
What have you discovered about understanding about your heritage?
Who was the last person, in your family tree, to work at a distillery?
What was your focus of study at Purdue?
How did you progress in your career and businesses that you sold?
How do you transition from selling your business to figuring out what to do next?
When did you decide to make the investment from sourcing Tennessee whiskey to breaking ground on a distillery?
What was the inspiration for putting a focus on rebuilding the community in Gethsemane?
Did the lawsuit with Heaven Hill over your name come into play early on?
What does 5th district mean on your Monk's Road label?
What's your plan on having your whiskey be different than anyone else's?
@logstilldistillery @jwwallydant
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