

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

Jan 6, 2022 • 58min
339 - Aging Barrels on the American Highway with Brad Paisley
When I got a text message that said "Hey, do you want to have Brad Paisley on your show?" I couldn't resist jumping at the chance. Everyone knows Brad as the country music legend, but we got to sit down and discover bourbon enthusiast Brad. He once was known as a sober star, but bourbon has has permanently cemented a place in his life. We talk about how he first began appreciating bourbon and how that led him to start his own brand called American Highway. We discuss the brand, it's origin, and future, but stick around till the end and you will hear some epic bourbon hunting stories.Show Notes:
This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the glass shortage.
You used to not drink alcohol, is that still true?
How did the whiskey brand come about?
Was the bourbon at least a year old before it went on the road?
Was it tempting to want to test out a barrel on the road?
How did you find out about Bardstown Bourbon Company?
What were your early challenges with the truck on tour?
Did people connect the dots when they saw your rolling rickhouse?
What did you learn about blending?
What would you say to someone who was hesitant about buying a celebrity brand?
Are you going to put tour numbers on the label to differentiate batches?
Any good bourbon hunting stories?
Is there a charitable aspect to the brand?
@bradpaisley @americanhighwayreserve
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Jan 4, 2022 • 5min
Whiskey Quickie: Blue Run Spirits Golden Rye Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Blue Run Spirits Golden Rye. This non-age stated rye is 95 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

Dec 31, 2021 • 30min
TWiB: Direct To Consumer Shipping Wins and Losses, 7 Drinks Trends to Watch in 2022, and Heaven Hill Changes Bottle Release Process
It's This Week in Bourbon for December 31st 2021. Looking back at 2021 Direct To Consumer Shipping Wins and Losses. 7 Drinks Trends to Watch in 2022. Heaven Hill announces changes to their morning bottle releasesShow Notes:
Looking back at 2021 Direct To Consumer Shipping Wins and Losses
Research shows highly fit women and men are more likely to consume alcohol than unfit individuals
VinePair releases 7 Drinks Trends to Watch in 2022
White Oak Initiative report shows oak trees aren’t growing at a sustainable rate
Journeyman Distillery releases Last Feather Rye Cask Strength
Heaven Hill announces changes to their morning bottle releases
Ndlovu Gin Original is a gin infused with... elephant dung
@sovoscompliance @vinepair @journeymandistillery @heavenhilldistillery
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Dec 30, 2021 • 52min
338 - Getting Crafty in Upstate New York with Brian McKenzie of Finger Lakes Distilling
It's no secret that we're big fans of Finger Lakes Distilling since it's one of the crucial components in Pursuit United. A few months ago, we booked some flights and took our recording gear to upstate New York. We sat down with their president, owner, and former distiller Brian McKenzie. We talk about his journey into whiskey and some of the challenges he faced as a craft distiller. We cover the unique aspects of being a craft distiller with a column still, their incredibly low barrel entry proof, and their infamous wheated bourbon.Show Partners:
Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com.
Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more.
Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com.
You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now.
Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com.
Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com.
Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com.
Show Notes:
This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about how much wood we consume from drinking bourbon.
What's changed since the last time you were on the show?
Tell us about your journey in whiskey.
Who were your first phone calls to get started in this industry?
Peat or no peat?
Tell us about your wheated bourbon.
What challenges did you face at the beginning being a craft distiller?
Talk about your experimentations.
Since the wheat is so popular, why not just focus on that?
What's more fun, finishing or experimenting with mashbills.
Tell us about your Master Distiller.
Did you have any issues when starting the distillery?
Why do craft distillers prefer certain stills?
What other spirits are you creating?
Talk about your seasoning process and why your barrels look so old after only 4 years.
What kind of barrels are you using?
Do you think the low entry proof contributes to having better tasting whiskey at a younger age?
Where does the big bold fruitiness flavor come from in your bourbon?
Tell us about your older aged bourbon that's coming out.
Does lower entry proof have an impact on taxes?
What has your distillery done for the local community?
Do you get visitors from all over?
What are you forecasting for your distillery?
@flxdistilling
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Dec 28, 2021 • 4min
Whiskey Quickie: Michter’s 2021 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Michter’s 2021 10 Year Single Barrel Rye. This 10 year old rye is 92.8 proof and $170 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com.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 24, 2021 • 45min
TWiB: $3M Raised from Kentucky Bourbon Benefit, Heaven Hill vs Log Still Has Been Settled, More About Pursuit United Rye
It's This Week in Bourbon for December 24th 2021. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit has raised over $3M for Tornado relief. The Heaven Hill vs Log Still court battle for the Dant name has come to an end after 9 months. Let's talk a little more about United Rye since it's now only available on store shelvesShow Notes:
Bourbon Pursuit fundraiser has raised $20,587 for Team Western KY Tornado Relief, Bellewood & Brooklawn, and Hand-in-Hand Ministries
The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit has raised over $3M for Tornado relief
Carr’s Steakhouse that once stood in downtown Mayfield have donated 14 bottles to The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit
Halls Chophouse Charleston is offering Buffalo Trace 1995 O.F.C. bourbon to benefit tornado relief
The Heaven Hill vs Log Still court battle for the Dant name has come to an end after 9 months
IWSR expects e-commerce sales are expected to reach more than US $42 billion by 2025
The Top 10 states for American Whiskey Sales
Texas State Securities Board has issued an emergency cease and desist order to Whiskey & Wealth Club
United Rye is sold out on Seelbachs but is only available on shelves now
Doghouse has released a chili bacon flavored vodka
@kentuckybourbontrail @carrssteakhouse @hallschophouse @heavenhilldistillery @logstilldistillery @doghousedistillery
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Dec 23, 2021 • 57min
337 - Ice Breaker Christmas Special
Every year we try to do something different for Christmas that's not really focused around bourbon. I'm sure you spend a lot of time talking about bourbon with your "bourbon friends", but it is always interesting to learn more about them on a personal level. This year we decided to bring back some fun ice breaker questions so you can get to know a little more about us. We hope you enjoy and from the entire Bourbon Pursuit team, happy holidays!Show Partners:
Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com.
Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more.
Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com.
You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now.
Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com.
Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com.
Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com.
Show Notes:
What's the best cheeseburger?
What’s the best meal you know how to cook?
Candy, chocolate, or popcorn at the movies?
What was your first job?
What was the most physically exhausting job you ever had?
What's your favorite casino game?
What’s one part of the world you still really want to see or experience?
What's your best bourbon shopping experience of the year?
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Dec 21, 2021 • 5min
Whiskey Quickie: Peg Leg Porker Bourbon Review
On this Whiskey Quickie by Bourbon Pursuit, we review Peg Leg Porker Bourbon. This non-age stated bourbon is 90 proof and $40 MSRP. Let us know what you think. Cheers!Whiskey Quickie is brought to you by Barrell Bourbon. Learn more at BarrellBourbon.com.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 17, 2021 • 51min
TWiB: Bourbon Raises Funds for Tornado Relief, Thomas H Handy Adds NFC Chips In Foils, and A. Smith Bowman Releases a 15 year Rum Finished Bourbon
It's This Week in Bourbon for December 17th 2021. The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will take place to support Kentucky Tornado relief. Buffalo Trace adds NFC chips to Thomas H. Handy foils. A. Smith Bowman is releasing a 15 year rum finished bourbon.Show Notes:
The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will feature exclusive private barrels, rare bottles, and more to support Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief
Breckenridge Distillery has been acquired by cannabis company Tilray for $10.92M
Brown Forman, Diageo, and Beam Suntory have pledge reach net-zero carbon emission
Small Producers Are Slow Proofing Their Whiskey
Should you invest is a whiskey funds? Gross annual rate of return of 17%
Maker’s Mark “Whisky Flights” will pay for your baggage fees
Alabama's Golden Ticket Lottery
Buffalo Trace adds NFC chips to THH foils
Jim Beam drops a Bourbon Cream plus the brand’s first board game in a new holiday kit
Crown Royal is launching an 18 year old release in connection with grillz maker Scotty ATL
General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin has unveiled Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye
A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces a 15year old rum finished bourbon
@kentuckybourbontrail @bourboncrusade @breckdistillery @fredminnick @tilray @brownforman @diageo @nancylfraley @forbes @makersmark @aldotcomnews @jimbeamofficial @crownroyal @cascadehollowdistillingco @a.@smithbowman
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Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 9min
336 - No Tariffs in 2022, Bottles That Deserve More Attention, and Switching Liquor Stores on Bourbon Community Roundtable #63
It's another jam packed Bourbon Community Roundtable as we discuss the latest trending topics of the past few weeks. One of the greatest pieces of whiskey news is that tariffs are being eliminated. This will open up international commerce once again for bourbon and we take a stab at some theories on what moves we expect distilleries to make in 2022. There are always bottle releases that get all the attention, but after a solid year of bourbon releases we give our takes on some bottles that should have gotten more attention. Lastly, the market is the market and we all know that stores are beginning to price their prized bottles close to secondary. If you've been a long-time customer of that retailer, are you going to switch stores or start paying higher prices?Show Partners:
Catoctin Creek has been honoring that tradition of small craft rye whisky since 2009. Learn more at CatoctinCreekDistilling.com.
Smooth Ambler builds on the traditional roots of American whiskey in West Virginia. Visit SmoothAmbler.com to learn more.
Wilderness Trail is Sweet Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Danville, Kentucky. Learn more at WildernessTrailDistillery.com.
You can now buy Barrell Craft Spirits products online and have them shipped right to your door. Visit BarrellBourbon.com and click Buy Now.
Spirits of French Lick is delivering the finest hand crafted Bottled in Bond bourbons. Check out SpiritsofFrenchLick.com.
Total Wine and More is wonderland for wine, spirits, and beer lovers! Explore more in store or online at TotalWine.com.
Heaven Hill Distillery has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935. Check out educational resources and sign up for their newsletter at HeavenHillDistillery.com.
Show Notes:
This week’s Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about MRE bourbon pairings.
Now that tariffs have been revoked, what moves do we expect distilleries to make next in 2022?
Do you think the EU can make it more appealing to sell American Whiskey there vs. keeping it in the US?
Is there a bottle release that happened this year that you feel should get more attention?
If your favorite retailer had to start selling their allocations at secondary prices, would you find another store to purchase from?
Thanks to @bourbonr, @breakingbourbon, and @sippn_corn for joining.
@bourbonr @breakingbourbon @sippn_corn
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